Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Announces $960,000 in Grants

Chi-Cal Rivers Fund partners yesterday announced five projects selected to receive $960,000 in grant funding to improve and enhance waterways in the Chicago-Calumet region.

The grants will generate $1.46 million in matching contributions, for a total conservation impact of $2.42 million, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) said in their announcement.

“The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund demonstrates how public-private partnerships can uniquely accelerate the restoration and revitalization of habitats, waterways and communities through collaborative investment and strategic alignment,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. 

Andy Williams, BNSF director of public affairs for Illinois, added: “The Chicago region is an important part of our rail network, key to moving goods from the West Coast to store shelves in the region. We are proud to support the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund to improve local waterways for the benefit of the residents and wildlife that call Chicagoland home.”

The five grants announced yesterday will enhance and restore habitat along the east branch of the Little Calumet River, improve fish passage in Mill Creek for native species, enhance public park space and access to natural areas at Wolf Lake, and increase stormwater storage capacity in the greater Chicago area.