Choose a section
Available river sections vary from approximately 1–4 miles depending on cleanup difficulty.
N.I.A.A. • Kankakee River • Illinois
Protect the river.
Give back locally.
The J.R. Black Adopt-A-River Program brings organizations, businesses, agencies and individuals together to keep the Kankakee River clean for everyone.
$0Application cost
2×Cleanups each year
1–4Miles per section
Kankakee RiverPreserving a local treasure
Community PoweredGroups working together
1–4 Mile SectionsBased on cleanup difficulty
Open to AllOrganizations & individuals
The Program
Small sections.
Big impact.
The J.R. Black Adopt-A-River Program is sponsored by the Northern Illinois Anglers Association and operates in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources C-2000 program.
Much like an adopt-a-highway program, participating organizations adopt a portion of the river and help keep its banks clean. There is no cost to apply.
Commit to cleanup
Adopting groups conduct at least two river cleanups each year to keep their section looking its best.
Make your mark
Adopting organizations receive signage along the river recognizing their commitment to the community.
How It Works
Ready to make a difference?
Getting involved is simple. Start with an application and the program will provide the complete details for your adopted section.
1
Contact N.I.A.A.
Reach out to Sam Thomas to request an application.
2
Receive details
Complete program information will be provided with your application.
3
Adopt your section
Select an available 1–4 mile river section for your organization.
4
Clean & care
Hold at least two cleanups each year and help protect the river.
IN HONOR OF
J.R. BLACK
A lifetime of river preservation
J.R. BLACK
A lifetime of river preservation
Our Story
A program built on a lifetime of stewardship.
The program was named the J.R. Black Adopt-A-River Program in recognition of J.R.'s decades of commitment to preservation of the Kankakee River.
J.R. was the founder of the ongoing program and a past-president and long-time Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Anglers Association. Through Adopt-A-River, Kids' Fishing Day, River Clean-up Day, the Kankakee River Fishing Derby and other activities, his work has helped make the Kankakee River a source of enjoyment for thousands of people.
“A source of enjoyment for thousands of people, now and for future generations.”
Get Involved
Adopt a piece of the Kankakee River.
The N.I.A.A. currently has a limited number of Adopt-A-River sites available. If your organization, group, business or agency would like to participate, contact Sam Thomas to request an application.
Community Partners
Working together for the river.
Bradley-Bourbonnais Sportsman ClubBourbonnais Twp. Park District
Vandrunen FarmsMomence Park DistrictKankakee Ducks Unlimited
Illinois Smallmouth AllianceAqua IllinoisAmlin Residential Services
Kankakee Valley WhitetailsReed's Canoe TripsKankakee River Conservancy
Kankakee Valley Park DistrictAroma Park American LegionNorthern Illinois Anglers Association
Riverside Resolve CenterBeecher High SchoolVillage of Beecher
Momence Anchor ClubKankakee Sportsman ClubN.W.T. Federation
Kankakee Forest PreserveAroma Park Boating AssociationEdmonson & Rattin Families