The Chicago River and the Wild Mile Park is the perfect venue to meet new textile friends, explore techniques and materials, and stitch on the dock to unwind after a long day! This is a casual, informal gathering, so just come ready to chat!

Chicago Textile Center staff will be on hand with a community art project to hang in our future space, so come to learn more about our programs. See you there!

Hydrosonic Light Show is Tim Ramirez from Chicago, IL.  He creates visuals in real time using overhead projectors, slide projectors, 35mm slides both handmade and found, liquids, hand made do-dads. He has done visuals for live bands, music videos, photo shoots, and private events keeping this art form from the 60's alive. Currently he has expanded his craft into a hybrid set up using vintage video equipment for video feedback, synesthesia, bizarre found footage, old 16mm reels, all while still incorporating the liquids and hand made items aspect of the original light shows.

World View Whirlwind will be a 2 hour visual performance accompanied by a playlist of World Music, Afro funk, Soul, Jazz, and Psych Rock.

About the Book:

Something Small of How to See a River, was selected by Tyehimba Jess for Tupelo Press's Dorset Prize. The book tells a little piece of the story of the Mni Wichoni Nakicizin Wounspe (Defenders of the Water School), which I helped to run at the Oceti Sakowin Water Protector Camp at Standing Rock. It's a book about narrative authority, whiteness in movement spaces, state violence, joy, and the small labors that build community. Tyehimba Jess said about it, "Working in the true sense of a liberatory project, here is honest, bracing news for the weary but unwavered.” Craig Santos Perez called it "the most memorable debut I've read in years."

The book cover was generously made by textile artist, Val Eagle Shield.

About the author:

Teresa Dzieglewicz is a poet, educator, and lover of rivers and prairies. She is a fellow with Black Earth Institute, a Poet-in-Residence at the Chicago Poetry Center, and part of the founding team of Mni Wichoni Nakicizin Wounspe (Defenders of the Water School). With Natasha Mijares, she organizes "Watershed: Ways of Seeing the Chicago River". Her first book of poetry, Something Small of How to See a River was selected by Tyehimba Jess for the Dorset Prize (Tupelo Press). Her first children's book, Belonging, co-written with Kimimila Locke, is forthcoming from Chronicle Books. She has won a Pushcart Prize, Best New Poets, the Gingko Prize, the Auburn Witness Prize, and the Palette Poetry Prize. Teresa lives with her family in Chicago, on Potawatomi land.

About our guests:

Steve Tamayo, recipient of the 2025 NEA Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellowship, has spent 14 years on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, reclaiming and preserving Lakota culture through his art. As a traditional artist and educator, Tamayo revives stories that were systematically erased by discriminatory laws, the boarding school system, and forced relocation. In 2022, Tamayo was awarded a four-year Creative Capital project grant to design, paint, and adorn 13 traditional buffalo robes for the school at Standing Rock Reservation. Tamayo’s work also includes buffalo robes gifted to Willie Nelson and Neil Young.

Frankie Archambault is a Lakhota youth artist and activist. She was a student at the Mni Wichoni Nakicizin Wounspe and a leader among the kids at the Oceti Sakowin Camp. She's interested in environmental issues, especially surrounding water. She currently works with the Joslyn Museum in Omaha and Bluebird Cultural Initiative. She is working and studying to be a knowledge keeper for her people.

EJ Sweetly is a citizen of the Comanche Nation and current Chairwoman of the Oscar Jacobson Foundation, a (501)c3 non profit organization whose mission is to bring people together by promoting and celebrating Native American art and culture and honoring the artistic legacy of the Kiowa Six and Dr. Oscar Jacobson. A community organizer, writer and artist, EJ continues to create work in a variety of artistic mediums, though her first love has always been creating art with words. She has published work with NPR’s, “This I Believe” series and Yellow Medicine Review. EJ’s career is focused on cultivating and promoting access to the arts, for all.

Hydrosonic Light Show is Tim Ramirez from Chicago, IL.  He creates visuals in real time using overhead projectors, slide projectors, 35mm slides both handmade and found, liquids, hand made do-dads. He has done visuals for live bands, music videos, photo shoots, and private events keeping this art form from the 60's alive. Currently he has expanded his craft into a hybrid set up using vintage video equipment for video feedback, synesthesia, bizarre found footage, old 16mm reels, all while still incorporating the liquids and hand made items aspect of the original light shows.

World View Whirlwind will be a 2 hour visual performance accompanied by a playlist of World Music, Afro funk, Soul, Jazz, and Psych Rock.

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.

Join us for a beautiful evening of nature, connection, and creativity as part of our recurring nature immersion and portrait series. Surrounded by the soothing sights and sounds of the boardwalk and Chicago skyline, you’ll sip refreshing drinks, mingle with community, and have your portrait taken by one of three phenomenal photographers: Isabel Gonzalez, Eric Rosas, and Karmyn Stewart!

Research shows that time in nature reduces stress, boosts happiness, and supports mental health. This experience is all about slowing down and being seen. You’ll be assigned to a section of the boardwalk and paired with a photographer who will take three digital portraits of you. Edited photos will be emailed 3–7 days after the event, timeless keepsakes you’ll cherish.

Don’t miss this chance to be held by nature, feel beautiful, and leave with artful memories. We can’t wait to see you there!

Come fish the Wild Mile!

During the worst of our waterway's polluted history, only 5 species of fish could be found in the Chicago River. Now, there are a whopping 77 - and many of them nest, mate, shelter, and feed around the Wild Mile! Pumpkinseed, bluegill, bass, carp, and bullhead are among the most common, but who knows what you might find! Join us monthly to learn how to safely catch them!

These events will be run by our River Ranger volunteers between April and October of 2025. We'll have bait and fishing gear for you - though please bring your own pole if you happen to have one! We also have blanket fishing permits from the IDNR for these events, so anyone can participate.

To ensure a good experience for all participants and volunteer facilitators, we've divided the day into time slots with capacity limits - please try to arrive close to the beginning of your reserved time, since we'll need your rod back at the end of your time! Youth participation is highly encouraged, though parent/guardian supervision is required with a ratio of at least 1:3! 

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.

No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:30!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Join Joee Cortina of Shedd Aquarium to learn about Jewelweed, a native flowering plant that grows abundantly along urban waterways! You’ll learn about the medicinal value of Jewelweed, and make a topical salve that’s great for treating rashes and poison ivy!

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required!

Join us on the Wild Mile to enjoy a sweet snack!

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

If you've ever had burning questions about the Wild Mile or Urban Rivers, look no further. One of our knowledgable Wild Mile Docents will take you on a tour of the Wild Mile, explaining the project's history, architecture, ecology, and more. The tour will take 30-45 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. We'll meet at the entrance to the Wild Mile, behind REI. This tour is entirely outdoors, so please dress warmly during winter months.

If you'd like a tour but can't make it to any available tour dates, email team@urbanriv.org, and we'd be happy to set up a time to show you around! 

This event is free and open to everyone. Walk-ups are welcome, but if possible, please RSVP using the link below.

Hydrosonic Light Show is Tim Ramirez from Chicago, IL.  He creates visuals in real time using overhead projectors, slide projectors, 35mm slides both handmade and found, liquids, hand made do-dads. He has done visuals for live bands, music videos, photo shoots, and private events keeping this art form from the 60's alive. Currently he has expanded his craft into a hybrid set up using vintage video equipment for video feedback, synesthesia, bizarre found footage, old 16mm reels, all while still incorporating the liquids and hand made items aspect of the original light shows.

World View Whirlwind will be a 2 hour visual performance accompanied by a playlist of World Music, Afro funk, Soul, Jazz, and Psych Rock.

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.

Join Shedd Aquarium, Urban Rivers, & Friends of the Chicago River to clean up Park 571! Participants are invited to remove trash from the park with the Shedd team, hop in a canoe alongside expert guides to clean-up the surrounding river. All equipment will be provided. Events are rain or shine and walk-ups are welcome!

To reserve a canoe spot, register here:

To reserve a kayak, register here:

If you just wish to join for the on-land park cleanup, walk-ups are welcome, but we encourage you to register by emailing actiondays@sheddaquarium.org to stay in the know on event updates or weather consideration.

For registrants, more information will be sent out a couple days prior to the event!

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.

No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:30!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required!

River Ranger Socials are monthly appreciation events for our volunteers. If you're a new/prospective volunteer, feel free to join us - this is a great space to meet our staff and connect with fellow River Rangers! Depending on the month, we might play some trivia or some board games, hold a potluck, or enjoy some pizza. Stay tuned to our volunteer newsletter for more information! 

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.

Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Wild Light at Night brings digital illumination into the natural darkness of the Wild Mile, exploring the ecological and cultural impact of artificial light in urban natural environments. Responding to the river’s edge as a unique confluence of built and natural worlds, the projection reflects on the delicate coexistence of city life and ecosystems after dark.

Rather than creating spectacle, the projection offers a subtle, responsive presence—prompting reflection on what light reveals, and what it displaces. Animated by shifting light and shadow, the piece transforms the riverside façade into both screen and stage, extending the Wild Mile experience beyond daylight.

Dates: 

• August 21

• August 28

• September 4

• September 13 (Saturday)

Events will be postponed in the case of rain.

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.

No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:30!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Catch us on the Chicago River - at the Wild Mile - for a plant identification walk, guided by Jah of Brown People Foundation! Come join us as we stroll and discover amongst the plants & trees. Learn how to spot native & invasive plants - and about their uses! Following the plant walk, we will use what we learn to create some healing plant medicine. BRING YOUR OWN JAR OR CONTAINER, as you will be able to take home your own plant medicine sample! Yay recycling!

Jah is a Black & Indigenous, queer, non-binary, proud Southside Chicago native. They are a neurodivergent advocate and multi-hyphenate creative and community organizer - with an extensive background in education, food justice, earth stewardship, spiritual hygiene, and community development. As an herbalist and educator, Jah is often hosting Plant Medicine Workshops across the south and west sides of the city through her own non-profit Brown People Foundation.

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required!

Join us for yoga on Chicago’s beautiful floating docks along the North Branch of the Chicago River, surrounded by native gardens and urban wildlife. This class is open to all levels and offers a grounding start to your week in a truly unique outdoor space. All classes end with a mini sound healing session.

The Wild Mile is a public eco-park created by Urban Rivers, whose mission is to restore wild habitat along the river. 20% of all proceeds go directly to support their ongoing efforts.

Bring your own mat, water, and any props you like.

Art night is a monthly community-building variety show where 5 people get to go on stage and share their passions! 

Friday the 5th, after an opening ice breaker, we will have a folk artist, a DJ, the founder of Freshwater Lab, and more share their talents and their insights! 

Join us for a day of kayaking and nature exploration at Bubbly Creek!

Urban Rivers will be hosting walk-up kayaking for the duration of the event. This means our boats are first-come first-served! We’ll be joined by Shedd Aquarium, who will be running all-ages fishing workshops! Various partners will join in over the course of the summer to provide fun activities, including birding with the Chicago Ornithological Society, soil science workshops with Social Ecologies, and many more.

No experience is required for any activities offered! This program is targeted at the communities directly surrounding Bubbly Creek, but all are welcome. Children under 10 years old must share a kayak with a parent or guardian, as we are unable to offer tandem kayaks. If your child is under 30 pounds, you will need to provide a lifejacket for them! All participants must sign a waiver before kayaking, and/or have a waiver signed on their behalf by a legal guardian. Since we wrap up at 7, our last boats will go out no later than 6:30!

Most activities, including kayaking, will have Spanish-Speaking staff available // La mayoría de las actividades, incluido el kayak, contarán con personal que habla español disponible.

These events will be cancelled in the case of dangerous or highly unpleasant weather, tentatively defined as weather over 95ºF, under 45ºF, any visible lightning in the area, or rain beyond a light drizzle. Updates will be posted on our Instagram (@urbanrivers), and this event posting will be also be updated to reflect the cancellation - if in doubt, email team@urbanriv.org!

Wild Mile Projections - a collaboration between Urban Rivers and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Wild Light at Night brings digital illumination into the natural darkness of the Wild Mile, exploring the ecological and cultural impact of artificial light in urban natural environments. Responding to the river’s edge as a unique confluence of built and natural worlds, the projection reflects on the delicate coexistence of city life and ecosystems after dark.

Rather than creating spectacle, the projection offers a subtle, responsive presence—prompting reflection on what light reveals, and what it displaces. Animated by shifting light and shadow, the piece transforms the riverside façade into both screen and stage, extending the Wild Mile experience beyond daylight.

Dates: 

• August 21

• August 28

• September 4

• September 13 (Saturday)

Events will be postponed in the case of rain.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to identify and harvest ~20 wild edible plants of mid summer in Chicago. Participants will also learn about safe and responsible foraging practices, and about the role of foraging in its cultural and ecological context. This workshop happens on-the-move, so come ready to do some walking.

Axel Peterman has been a forager since birth. Growing up in Woodlawn and Hyde Park, he worried many a middle school teacher and camp counselor by eating things that he'd found on the lawn, and by teaching his friends about them. After 11 years of teaching in the northern town of Ashland, WI, during which time he led over a hundred foraging walks as well as workshops on a variety of other subjects, he's back in Chicago, and thrilled to explore the wild edibles of his hometown --- and to teach folks about them.

Join CatJam Chicago for an acoustic jam session on the Wild Mile! This dynamic group of local musicians welcomes any passerby to join the jam. Come relax on the Wild Mile while enjoying the music, or bring your instrument and play with some of Chicago’s coolest cats! This event is alcohol-free.

No RSVP required!