Get Involved with Blue Island Waterways
Blue Island has grown up alongside important waterways, from the Little Calumet River and Stony Creek to a modern marvel like the Cal-Sag Channel. This May and June there are two opportunities to “give back” to our rivers and enjoy a favorite recreation destination.
On May 12, 2012, Blue Island residents and volunteers once again participate in the Friends of the Chicago River annual Chicago River Day. Each year the Friends target Stony Creek as it empties into the Cal-Sag Channel near the intersection of Ann and James Streets. Stony Creek is looking better than ever, so this year efforts will include the north canal bank east of Stony Creek. Volunteers will be asked to pick up trash and clear non-native brush. You can register online now.
On June 2, 2012, the Calumet Waterway Stewards, an organization born right here in Blue Island, hosts its inaugural Little Calumet River cleanup. Launching from Gouwens Park in South Holland, this on-water clean up will float downstream to Calumet Woods in Blue Island. For those wishing to help out on land, a park cleanup will be available at Calumet Woods. You can register now - everyone that registers is invited to stay the afternoon for fun, food, music, and a special Fay’s Point paddle tour!
Canoe & Kayak the Cal-Sag!
Ever look at the Cal-Sag and think… wow, wish I could take a trip down there, if only I had a kayak or a canoe…
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 - CAL-SAG CHANNEL PADDLING TOUR!
Jason Berry will be leading a GUIDED TOUR of Blue Island’s waterfront by kayak or canoe. Tour departs from Fay’s Point at 12:30pm and returns by 4pm. $10/person. Limit 25 boats. Bring your own boat or rent a single or tandem kayak (recommended) or canoe from Chicago River Canoe & Kayak. EMAIL MIKE SIOLA ASAP TO RESERVE! Send an e-mail to msiola@csu.edu with the subject “Calumet Heritage Conference” and include the information requested on the registration form (name address, phone, whether you want to rent a kayak or canoe). Register via paypal.
Points of Interest include: Little Calumet River; Fay’s Point / Confluence; Blue Island Locks; Division and Chatham bridges; MWRD SEPA station; Western Ave / Rock Island bridge; Stony Creek / Calumet Feeder; former gas plant site; rail bridges (5 bridges)
