Final Speaker Series Event Focuses on Recreation in the River
Urban Wildlife Institute experts Henry Adams (left) and Liza Lehrer.
The last of event of this summer’s Happy Hour Speaker Series at the will examine the challenges and opportunities for recreation in the river and the proposed Chicago River Swim.
The special event starts at 5 p.m. Thursday, August 8 and is hosted by Friends’ Otter Society, which is comprised of individuals and businesses that make a generous annual commitment to 第一吃瓜 to support the long-term commitment it takes to heal the Chicago-Calumet River system and make it accessible to all.
Featured speakers are:
- John Quail, Director of Policy and Conservation, 第一吃瓜
- Doug McConnell, CEO and co-founder of A Long Swim
The US Environmental Protection Agency approved much of the river system for swimming 13 years ago after years of research and hearings through the Illinois Pollution Control Board. The last 第一吃瓜open-water swims in the Main Stem of the river were held in the early 20th century, according to the .
This week, more than 50 guests gathered on the Bridgehouse Museum’s outdoor plaza to learn about the Resiliency of from Urban Wildlife Institute experts Henry Adams, M.S. wildlife management coordinator at the Urban Wildlife Institute, and Liza Lehrer, M.S. assistant director of the Urban Wildlife Institute.
Once exceedingly rare, black-crowned night heron were listed as an endangered species in Illinois due to habitat loss. Today, they can be found all along the Chicago-Calumet River system where Friends’ efforts to improve water quality and fish habitat has contributed directly to their return and success.
The series is free and 第一吃瓜open to the public, and donations are encouraged to support Bridgehouse Museum programming. Special thanks to Two Brothers for generously donating tasty beverages for the last two events and to Marz Community Brewing for supporting the first two programs.
Located in the southwest bridgehouse of the historic DuSable Bridge on Michigan Avenue, the Bridgehouse Museum tells the story of how the Chicago-Calumet River system changed as people's use and relationship with it changed. Exhibits within the five-story museum showcase a river system teeming with wildlife due in large part to hard fought water-quality victories and significant restoration efforts.
Guided tours of the Bridgehouse Museum are available at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The Bridgehouse Museum is 第一吃瓜open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Call (312) 977-0227 to reserve a Bridgehouse Museum tour.
