Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Commissioners and staff joined hundreds of volunteers across Cook County to participate in the annual Chicago River Day cleanup hosted by the Friends of the Chicago River. This vital community effort works to protect and enhance the health of local riverbanks and waterways while educating the public about the importance of clean water, sustainable practices, and the shared responsibility of caring for our environment.

The MWRD’s debris boat made a significant contribution by collecting 20 cubic yards of yard waste and 20 cubic yards of trash and debris from the river, helping to restore the natural beauty and ecological health of our shared water resources.

All 9 MWRD commissioners or their aides fanned out across the region to take part in various educational and cleanup efforts which included picking up trash, removing invasive plant species, and beautifying the area.

“The collective efforts of everyone involved in this special day reflect our commitment to protecting the environment and empowering the communities we serve,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “From educating residents about the importance of clean water to physically improving our waterways, these actions are vital to our region’s quality of life. It’s inspiring to see so many people rolling up their sleeves to make a meaningful, hands-on impact.”

Chicago River Day is one of the largest volunteer events in the region, mobilizing thousands of individuals to clean up litter, remove invasive species, and restore habitat along the Chicago River system and its connected waterways.

“Chicago River Day is a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can restore and protect the natural spaces that connect us,” said Commissioner Beth McElroy Kirkwood. “Every cleanup site tells a story of community pride and environmental stewardship.”

The invasive mustard garlic identified by its white flowers and scalloped leaves. Plants that were removed were set to be composted.

Bags of trash that were collected by the team ready for pick up by Friends of the Chicago River. Collections are counted and accessed by staff to identify types of litter in the area.

During collection, identified some jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), a plant species that serve as good indicators of a healthy ecosystem with rich soil.