Riverbank Neighbors is a project in Chicago. Neighbors who came together to clean up and tend the gardens of the riverbank of the Chicago River, also found they shared a calling towards larger goals of Environmental Justice.

We host regular work days you can find out about on our calendar or in our newsletter.

The riverbank in our neighborhood was eroded and full of trash before neighbors started to work together to clean it up and make it accessible.

The ancient ecosystem was all but wiped out on our land, but now the river path offers an experience of natural beauty. Our community leaders are stewards of the ecosystem, with deep ties to the North Branch Restoration Project. We gather seeds of precious, rare plants and spread them in protected areas. Workdays include maintaining the paths as education and work centered around maintaining this example of our ancient native Chicago ecosystem.

Countless volunteer groups have assisted in these efforts. Many many people have contributed to the beauty and we thank all of them.

We seek kindred spirits, who like to garden, gather seeds and learn the nuances of the ecosystem.

We invite artists, students, and community of all ages to come to our events, find a place for themselves in the project.

As we move into a new year of stewardship, there is much to be done – from rebuilding fences to trimming aggressive plants to gathering seeds. As climate change alters the conditions of the ecosystem, our role as stewards is to help the ecosystem respond and adapt to those changes.

Learn more about our management plan – and help donate to support our work through our GoFundMe!

Riverbank Neighbors has maintained a newsletter for ~ 20 years. Join our email list below for neighborhood updates, information on upcoming work days and more ways to get involved: