The Illinois Water TrailKeepers provides a corps of stewards on Illinois Paddle-able Waterways.
Operating much like ‘adopt a highway’ our stewards adopt a body of water.
A Trail Steward takes the responsibility for the body of water, and recruits Reach Stewards for predetermined sections of the body of water.
Each Body of water is unique, and it’s stewardship needs are different. We empower our Water TraiKeepers to address the specific stewardship needs of their adopted body of water.
- North Branch and North Shore Channel of the Chicago River
- Little Calumet River
- Salt Creek
- Des Plaines River
- Fox River
- DuPage River (including the West Branch and East Branch)
- Kishwaukee River
- Sangamon River
To be eligible for adoption, a body of water needs safe, legal access as recognized by the local authorities.
Click Here to Volunteer!
Click Here to Report a Water Trail Problem
Water TrailKeepers Cleanups
Our Partners and Sponsors
Add your logo to the list! Please consider sponsoring the Water Trailkeepers Program. Contact Program Manager Tom Eckels.