Canoe Launch

About the Canoe Launch Project...

The Evanston Environmental Association (EEA) and the City of Evanston are bringing an accessible non-motorized boat launch back to the North Shore Channel at the Evanston Ecology Center in the Ladd Arboretum. The newly designed launch and recreation area will bring easy and equitable access to paddling, education, and wildlife viewing along our unique urban waterway.

The EEA and City of Evanston have already invested in a feasibility study, launch design and have partnered to execute this exciting community project. The EEA is dedicated to raising the needed funds to construct the launch. Construction will begin in the Spring of 2025. Design features include an ADA compliant pathway to the water, floating dock, loading chute, native landscaping, stone seating, and interpretive signage.

Reopening a launch in Evanston will allow the Ecology Center to resume providing impactful environmental education and recreational canoe programs on the Channel. Programs include Canoe the Canal family programs, school, scout and camp field trips, birding by boat, canal clean up and habitat restoration programs. The Ecology Center also plans to have canoe and kayak rentals available for renters to explore on their own.

Please consider making a donation to support our vision of an accessible and appreciated waterway where wildlife and people thrive.

For more information or to get involved, email us at info@evanstonenvironment.org.

Canoe Launch Fundraising

The EEA has committed to raising the funds needed to construct the Canoe Launch in phases over the next three years, depending on total project cost and the construction timeline. The total canoe launch project cost is estimated at $2.5 million and the EEA plans to raise $1 million in funds by the end of 2025.

The EEA will seek funds from a variety of funding sources over the next year. If you are interested in supporting our fundraising efforts, please consider volunteering for one of our canoe launch committees, listed below.

• Corporate Fundraising - Develop strategies to secure financial support and partnerships from businesses.

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• Grant Writing - Research and identify grants to secure funding through grant applications from various foundations, government agencies, and other grant-making entities.

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• Community Events - Organize events to generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, and auctions.

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If you are interested in volunteering, please complete a Committee Interest Form.

All donations help! Please consider making a donation to support our vision of an accessible and appreciated waterway where wildlife and people thrive.

Donations can be made directly to the canoe launch by commenting “canoe”.

Email us at info@evanstonenvironment.org for more information or to get involved.

Want to help Spread the Word? Download our donor information sheet.

Canoe Launch Designs & Plans - Architectural/Engineering

Complete plans can be accessed here (28 pages).

Evanston Preliminary Submittal Ladd Plans - Sep 11, 2024

Evanston Canoe Launch Revised Concept Plan + Section - May 28, 2024

Image Credit #1: "Canoe Trips" by Camp Pinewood YMCA is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Image Credit #2: "College of DuPage Sponsors Veterans Canoe Outing on Fox River 2015 33" by COD Newsroom is licensed under CC BY 2.0.