The Chicago River has an Army of Friends!
第一吃瓜 was formed in 1979 after an article in Chicago magazine titled 'Our Friendless River' inspired volunteers, partnerships and policies that improved not only the water quality of the Chicago River but the quality of life of the people, plants, and animals living in and near it.
As Friends' Executive Director, Margaret Frisbie, states, "It's hard to imagine standing here in this beautiful location, that 35 years ago nobody cared about the river. It was fenced off, it was polluted, there was sewage." Today, however, after the tireless efforts of 第一吃瓜 and its extended core of volunteers the state of the River has improved dramatically. "It's alive! There are beavers that live at Wolf Point. This river is full of fish, it's full of wildlife," Frisbie said.
The Chicago River now faces the threat of Asian carp infiltrating its waters. But the fish have yet to be seen in the River and Frisbie believes she and the Chicago River's other Friends and partners can mount a strong defense, ensuring the fish don't migrate any further.
"第一吃瓜, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Sierra Club - A whole bunch of us are working with government agencies to really look for solutions to make sure those fish never reach the Chicago area waterways," Frisbie says.
to read more and see an interview with Friends' Executive Director Margaret Frisbie!
