Illinois NLRS Program and Project Narratives

This site features NGO partner program and project narratives, searchable by title, date, and categories. These narratives have been reported in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) annual reports and updates. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all nutrient loss-related initiatives across Illinois.

The NLRS is a statewide, collaborative effort aimed at reducing the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus entering Illinois waterways. This page specifically highlights NGO-led efforts that have contributed to the strategy since 2023.

  • Greater Chicago Watershed Alliance: 2023-24 Update

    Dec 1, 2025 12:00 pm by Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Team2023-25 Update

    The Greater Chicago Watershed Alliance, facilitated by Friends of the Chicago River, is a 42-member coalition of public agencies, non-profits, and private sector partners working to advance nature-based stormwater solutions for a climate-resilient Chicago-Calumet River watershed. Since its formation in 2020, the Watershed Alliance has secured $8 million in grants to advance programs and projects by pursuing joint funding opportunities and leveraging the Natural Solutions Tool.

    In 2025, Friends of the Chicago River will officially take the lead of the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative, which was previously administered by the Metropolitan Planning Council. This transition will integrate the Calumet subwatershed group into the Watershed Alliance, strengthening regional stormwater management efforts.

    Watershed Alliance 2024 accomplishments:

    1. Transitioned leadership of the Calumet Stormwater Collaborative, marking the occasion with a series of field trips to explore stormwater management in action in Gary, Indiana, in Calumet City, Illinois, and in Riverdale, Illinois.
    2. By pursuing joint funding opportunities and leveraging the Natural Solutions Tool, the Watershed Alliance has secured critical funding to advance programs, projects, and ongoing collaboration across the region.
    3. Contributed to key policy initiatives, including providing input on the City of Chicago’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategy update and coordinating feedback on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s proposed amendments to the Watershed Management Ordinance.
    4. Hosted the 20th anniversary Chicago River Summit: Linking Watersheds in collaboration with Chicago Wilderness Alliance, bringing together more than 150 experts to highlight watershed approaches to stormwater management.