Mississippi River Flows Through Chicago
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world, and it winds its way through 10 states within the United States. But does the Mississippi River run through Chicago? The answer is yes. While it may not be obvious to the casual observer, the Mississippi River is connected to the Chicago area by a number of tributaries or bodies of water.
The Chicago River and the Calumet River are the main tributaries that connect the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. The Calumet River Pass feeds the Mississippi from Lake Michigan and the Chicago River from Lake Michigan then flows into the Mississippi during floods. In addition to these two tributaries, the Des Plaines, Wabash, and Grand rivers also connect the two great rivers.
The origin of the Mississippi River is traditionally understood to be Lake Itasca, Minnesota. The river then flows through several different states over the course of its 2,340-mile journey south and east. The Mississippi River eventually empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Along its route, the Mississippi River meets and exchanges water with several major river systems, including the Ohio, Ouachita, Red, and Atchafalaya rivers. Eventually, the Mississippi meets the Illinois and the Chicago Rivers, which eventually empty into Lake Michigan.
The main tributaries that connect the Mississippi River to Chicago are the Chicago and Calumet Rivers. Both rivers serve as an important source of fresh water and contribute to the city’s civic and economic development.
The Chicago River is particularly well-known as an integral feature of the city’s landscape and culture. The river originally flowed in its own course before it was reversed in 1900. This reversal was a major public works project at the time, and today the river continues to be managed for navigational, recreational, and aesthetic purposes.
The Calumet River is the other major tributary of the Mississippi that connects the two great rivers. The Calumet River is a deep channel comprised of both natural and man-made features. It is situated near several industrial facilities on land surrounding the river and also provides essential navigation access for commercial vessels.
Mississippi River’s Affect on the Chicago Area
The tributaries of the Mississippi River that flow into the Chicago area are vital to the city’s development. The freshwater that the rivers provide to Lake Michigan is the main source of drinking water for the city and its surrounding areas. The rivers also provide navigation access to Lake Michigan and the ports, which are essential for commerce.
The presence of the Mississippi River also affects the recreational opportunities in the area. The rivers around Chicago provide great fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities, and are often the site of regional competitions and events.
The Mississippi River and its tributaries also have a major impact on the wildlife in the area. The rivers provide habitat for a variety of species and help to maintain important ecosystems.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The presence of the Mississippi River in the Chicago area has had more than just positive effects on the region. Unfortunately, the environmental and economic benefits of the river come with a significant cost to the environment.
The industrial development of the area has led to significant water pollution in the tributaries of the Mississippi River. The pollution from factories, sewage, and agricultural runoff has led to high levels of eutrophication in the local rivers, which harms the wildlife and the surrounding ecosystems.
In addition to water pollution, the development of the area has also led to degradation of natural habitats. The presence of dams, levees, and other infrastructure has negatively impacted the migration patterns of the local species and has resulted in habitat destruction.
Monitoring the Mississippi River
Given the importance of the Mississippi River to the Chicago area, its effects must be monitored and managed appropriately. In order to gauge the health of the rivers and its surrounding habitats, government agencies have been set up to track the rivers’ condition.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) conducts water sampling in the rivers and tributaries in order to measure the levels of pollution and to identify the sources of contamination. The USGS also monitors the level of water in the rivers and reports its findings to the public.
In addition to the USGS, the US Fish and Wildlife Service also plays an important role in preserving the health of the Mississippi River. The agency is responsible for managing the fish and wildlife in the area, and works to protect them from becoming endangered.
Conservation Efforts to Preserve the Mississippi River
Given the important role the Mississippi River plays in the Chicago area, conservation efforts are essential for its continued health. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is actively involved in restoration and conservation efforts by planting trees, restoring wetlands, and identifying areas of erosion.
In addition to the efforts of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, many nonprofit organizations are also taking action to preserve the well-being of the Mississippi River. For example, the Friends of the Chicago River works to protect the river from pollution. The organization is also involved in planned projects to add recreational features to the river and promote the well-being of the local wildlife.
In addition to nonprofit organizations, local businesses have also taken up the cause to conserve the Mississippi River. For instance, the Green Exchange is a new business park located near the canal of the river and is focusing on sustainable development.
Community-Centered Efforts to Improve The Mississippi River
In addition to government agencies and nonprofit organizations, the community at large has also taken up the task of preserving the health of the Mississippi River. Chicago-based organizations such as the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Chicago Area Water Management Group, and the Urban Rivers Initiative are actively working to clean up the river. These organizations often host events such as river clean-ups and volunteer days, which provide a great way for the community to get involved in restoring the river’s health.
The success of these efforts has been encouraging. Numerous surveys by the US Geological Survey have shown that the water quality of the Mississippi River is improving in the Chicago area. This is due to the collaborative efforts of the government, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and everyday citizens who are dedicated to preserving the river’s health.
Public Education About the Mississippi River
In order for the efforts to preserve the Mississippi River to be successful, the public must be educated about the importance of the river to the city. By fostering a greater understanding of the river’s importance, more people will be willing to participate in conservation efforts.
Organizations such as the Chicago River Commons Initiative who are spearheading public education efforts. The Initiative leads tours and programs that aim to educate people about the importance of the Mississippi River and to encourage others to get involved in preserving its health. They also have programs that teach community members about the importance of river wildlife, wetland restoration, and water quality testing.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Mississippi River
The effects of climate change are likely to affect the Mississippi River in the Chicago area. The changes in temperature and weather patterns are likely to lead to higher levels of precipitation in the area, resulting in flooding and erosion.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is actively working on establishing more resilient habitats for the species in the area that are affected by flooding and erosion. The agency is also focused on planting more native species which are more resilient to the changing climate.
The increased levels of flooding from climate change may also lead to a decrease in water quality, as the rivers are more likely to be filled with toxic runoff and pollution. In order to prevent this, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is focusing on improving the infrastructure that is built along the rivers. This includes improved storm water management, better regulation of pollution sources, and improved water treatment systems.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River plays an important role in the Chicago area. It provides essential services such as water and navigation access that drive economic growth and civic development. Its presence also adds to the area’s recreational and cultural opportunities.
However, its presence in the area must be managed and monitored carefully in order to maintain the health and well-being of the river and its surrounding habitats. Organizations and individuals alike must work together to ensure its future. By implementing conservation and public education efforts as well as preparing for the effects of climate change, we can ensure the well-being of the Mississippi River in the Chicago area for years to come.
