The Friends of the Chicago River was awarded $9,527 for their Fish Habitat Planting Expansion Project involving the installation of native water willow and lizard’s tail to improve fish habitat in the Chicago-Calumet River system.

The history of this system was one of pollution, degradation, and neglect that closed off the river from people and wildlife. Through collaborative efforts during the past several decades, the river system is finally taking its place as one of the world’s greatest metropolitan rivers, thriving with activity and wildlife.

Most notably, an increase of fish species in the river from seven to more than 75 since the 1970s (including 18 new native species since 2001) demonstrates the in-stream impacts that have occurred. In the long term, as the native plant colonies grow and expand, these improvements to the river will lead to better water quality and habitat for native fish.

FishAmerica funds provided travel to project sites, supplies (purchase of water willow and lizard’s tail, but also miscellaneous, lunches and water for volunteers, and limited program staff support.