Corporate Volunteer Day Talking Points - Chicago
Chicago River Day Talking Points Updated February 23, 2015 Introduction/Friends’ information: Founded in 1979, we are the only organization solely dedicated to the Chicago River and are working to make it one of the world’s greatest metropolitan rivers In 1992, Friends of the Chicago River hosted 25 volunteers for “Chicago River Rescue Day.” That small group “rescued” the river by pulling old shopping carts, mattresses, and plastic bags from its banks. Little did they know that day would continue year after year, evolving into Chicago River Day, which now hosts thousands of volunteers at over 60 sites throughout the Chicago River system. Mission: To improve and protect the Chicago River system for people, plants and animals Three core areas o Policy and planning - geared towards improving the water quality of the river o On the ground projects - result in physical improvements and the preservation of quality habitat o Education and outreach - inform and inspire people to help revitalize the Chicago River Closing:
Quick recap of the day and the overall impact Centennial volunteer plug: In celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) we are partnering with FPCC, Friends of the Forest Preserves, and Audubon Chicago to recruit and train volunteers at 5 sites along the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers. We invite you to join us for the upcoming volunteer days at our five restoration sites: Somme Woods, Blue Star Memorial, LaBagh Woods, Kickapoo Woods, Whistler woods Tell them how to stay involved o Become a member and help support our efforts financially at www.chicagoriver.org o Sign up for our e-news and follow us on Facebook and twitter to get updates on what’s going on Thank them for coming out and helping us make the Chicago River a better place
Additional topics you can discuss during the day: McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum Paddling programs Chicago River Schools Network Policy Issues including clean water, disinfection, stormwater management, aquatic invasive species, and recreational access. Improvements in the river system as a result of Friends and our volunteers : o increase of habitat - a decade ago there were about 10 species of fish in the river and today there are over 70; also have turtles, beaver, minks, and 100’s of species of migratory birds o increased use of the river – there are rowing teams, paddlers, fishermen, and boaters on the river 365 days a year
Quick recap of the day and the overall impact Centennial volunteer plug: In celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) we are partnering with FPCC, Friends of the Forest Preserves, and Audubon Chicago to recruit and train volunteers at 5 sites along the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers. We invite you to join us for the upcoming volunteer days at our five restoration sites: Somme Woods, Blue Star Memorial, LaBagh Woods, Kickapoo Woods, Whistler woods Tell them how to stay involved o Become a member and help support our efforts financially at www.chicagoriver.org o Sign up for our e-news and follow us on Facebook and twitter to get updates on what’s going on Thank them for coming out and helping us make the Chicago River a better place
Additional topics you can discuss during the day: McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum Paddling programs Chicago River Schools Network Policy Issues including clean water, disinfection, stormwater management, aquatic invasive species, and recreational access. Improvements in the river system as a result of Friends and our volunteers : o increase of habitat - a decade ago there were about 10 species of fish in the river and today there are over 70; also have turtles, beaver, minks, and 100’s of species of migratory birds o increased use of the river – there are rowing teams, paddlers, fishermen, and boaters on the river 365 days a year
