A Successful Peche Island Day!
On Saturday September 23 2017, the DRCC celebrated World Rivers Day by arranging free river crossings to PĂȘche Island. The island is only accessible by boat so many of the visitors  experienced this hidden gem for their first time! With the help of Windsor Essex County Canoe Club, the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor, and Captain Dan Leavoy and his Fish Tank, 530 people made their way to the City of Windsor's hardest to get to park.

While on the island, participants were able to enjoy self-guided hikes, see the historical Hiram Walker summer house ruins, as well as 175 year old native trees and lush wetlands. In addition, guests helped to install a new Bald Eagle platform.

Huge thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the Detroit River and PĂȘche Island. This event wouldn't have been possible without the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER) at the University of Windsor, the City of Windsor, the Windsor Essex County Canoe Club and Citizens Environment Alliance of Southwestern Ontario.

To see more photos of the event, and review the media coverage click here.
The Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund, now in its sixth year, provides up to $25,000 per project to restore and protect the Great Lakes and the rivers and streams that flow into them.
 
This year's fund will award $1.5 million in total for eligible projects. The deadline to apply is November 10, 2017.
 
Since 2012, the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund has awarded $7.5 million to 375 community-based projects, which supported more than 37,000 volunteers to plant over 285,000 trees and shrubs, release over 800,000 fish, create or enhance 760 kilometres of trail and collect over 2,800 bags of garbage.
 
People in the Great Lakes communities know what should be fixed on the shorelines of their hometowns. That's why they make for perfect Great Lakes Guardians and why we're proud to support 375 projects shored up by over 37,000 volunteers.
 
You too can become a Great Lakes Guardian by applying for a grant. Help us restore, protect, and conserve our Great Lakes to keep them drinkable, swimmable and fishable. Together we can make a real difference in Great Lakes communities across the province.
 
How to apply
Learn more
  • RSVP to take part in an information Webinar on October 4, from 1 - 2:30 p.m.
  • Email or call us at 416-325-4000,1-800-565-4923,TTY 416-326-9236 or toll-free 1-800-515-2759
  • For an accessible application guide, send us an email:GreatLakesFund@ontario.ca
Detroit River Coastal Wetland Monitoring
It was another busy summer for research and
monitoring on the river. The Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada were on the river throughout the summer monitoring fish, wetland birds and bugs, and vegetation. Much of this work took place in the wetlands along the river. Wetlands are important because they protect and improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitats, and store floodwaters. Protecting and restoring Detroit River wetlands has been an on-going priority for the remedial action team. 
Volunteers Needed for TD Tree Days Community Planting Along Little River Corridor
Come out and help reforest a part of the Little River watershed! This event will take place Sunday October 22 2017 between 9am and 12pm at the green space near Florence and Wyandotte Street in east Windsor. Snacks and refreshments are available for volunteers and students can earn community service hours. Boots and long pants recommended.   
 
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED due to limited spots: https://www.tdtreedays.com/en-ca/events/753  
 
Volunteers are able to park either at the parking lot which is at the intersection of Florence Avenue and Riverside Drive east, or in the neighbourhood near the tree planting site. For those who wish to park in the parking lot, the group can meet at the beginning of the Ganatchio Trail that runs east of the parking lot, and moves south towards the site. From the parking lot to the planting site, it is about a 10 minute walk that is 800m. There will be event signs located along the Ganatchio Trail to help volunteers find their way to the site.
 
Contact: Gina Pannunzio, Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator, ERCA gpannunzio@erca.org.
Ojibway Shores Natural Heritage Report Release
The Essex County Field Naturalists' Club, with permission from the Windsor Port Authority, and in partnership with the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Public Advisory Council, Citizens Environment Alliance and the Essex Region Conservation Authority, were given the opportunity to undertake a biological inventory of the Ojibway Shores property. Data was collected solely on a volunteer basis and findings were verified by local experts.

Using 4-season data collected from 2014 & 2015 and an Ecological Land Classification in 2016, this report provides a summary of the findings as well as an evaluation of the significance of the property based on provincial guidelines. The purpose of this report is to characterize the natural heritage significance of the property and its inhabitants and is intended to be used as a resource for future discussions on the land-use and fate of Ojibway Shores. The report identified 10 criteria that indicate important natural heritage significance - Ojibway Shores met 9 of 10 criteria.

Thank you to the Essex County Field Naturalists' Club and other partners involved for supporting this research project. For those interested in reviewing the report and associated maps, visit the ECFNC site here.
Essex County Geocachers Host Community Cleanup at Devonwood Conservation Area
Essex County Geocachers hosted their fall CITO (cache in trash out) event at Devonwood Conservation Area Saturday September 30th 2017 with over ten volunteers!

It is the goal of the Essex County Geocachers organization to provide information and support to the Southern Ontario Geocachers community. To help educate both new cachers and our community in general about our sport/hobby. We will work with land managers, property owners and municipalities to provide information about geocaching showing the benefits this can have to our communities such as tourism. To learn more, click visit: http://www.essexcountygeocachers.org.
Native Plant Garden Established During Windsor's Open Streets Event
City of Windsor's Mayor Drew Dilkens planting a native tree with Scouts Canada members, and the WWF Canada mascot.
On September 17, the City of Windsor hosted Open Streets Windsor, the largest free recreation program in the city's history. The streets were open
along an 8km route from Sandwich Town to Ford City, with activity hubs focusing on healthy, fun physical activities for all ages.

In front of Atkinson Park, guests participated in creating a Native Plant Legacy Garden - an In the Zone Garden by WWF Canada and Carolinian Canada.   
 
For more information about creating a healthy future for plants and wildlife in the Carolinian Life Zone, visit the In the Zone
website. In the Zone provides gardeners with the tools to transform backyards into woodland, water and wildflower gardens for native wildlife. 
Chrysler Celebrates 10th Planting Anniversary
On Sunday, October 1st, FCA Canada's Joint Workplace Environment Committee teamed  up with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) and the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) to create more meadow habitat in Windsor.

Over the past 10 years, Unifor Local 444 and FCA Canada management staff from the Windsor Assembly Plant have planted over 1000 native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers at various sites around the facility for butterflies and other wildlife. With funding support of over $60,000 from the DRCC and planting expertise provided by ERCA, this decade long partnership has contributed significantly to restoration efforts within the Detroit River watershed.

FCA Canada is committed to greening the community, and this 10th anniversary planting represents one more step in this endeavor. Both ERCA and the DRCC are pleased to partner in this ongoing effort.
Project Highlight: LaSalle Riverfront Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration
The pre-existing shoreline at this site in the Town of LaSalle, adjacent to Gil Maure Park, consisted of 550m vertical sheet steel walls and many abandoned finger docks. The completed works feature an undulating shoreline incorporating a variety of rock types and sizes, as well as a large offshore sheltering island. These features improve habitat for many of the fish species that are found in the Detroit River. The project provides enhanced access to the Detroit River for residents and visitors. In addition to the shoreline habitat restoration, the site includes a launch point for canoes, improved access for anglers, and the new Freshwater Ecology Restoration Centre, which is through a partnership of the Town of LaSalle and the University of Windsor.   
 
The project was completed in 2009 with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada's Great Lakes Sustainability Fund and Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change with support from Essex Region Conservation Authority and Town of LaSalle. 
 
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!   
The Detroit River in the news. Here are some links to articles that may pique your interest. Click the link  to read on.  
Upcoming Events  
Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizer for more information. 
Friends of Detroit River Annual Meeting and Dinner
Thursday October 5 2017, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Portofino Restaurant & Banquet,
3455 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, Michigan 48192
Space is limited so reserve your spot today! RSVP to (734) 288-3889, or river@detroitriver.org. Agenda: 5:30pm Cash Bar, 6:00pm Dinner ($40), 7:00pm Annual Meeting, 7:30pm Keynote Speaker: Jim Boase, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. For those attending the Annual Meeting only, reservations are not necessary and there is no charge.
Essex County Nature Meeting
Wednesday October 11 2017, 7:30pm, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor.    
Paul Boroque will be talking about fossils at this Essex County Field Naturalists' Club monthly meeting. More details here: www.esssexcountynature.com.  
Fall Migration Field Courses
Saturday October 14 to December 2 2017 
A series of morning field trips to observe the incredible variety of birds that migrate through Southwestern Ontario each fall.Lead by Paul Pratt. Morning field trips (8:30 am - noon) to Point Pelee and Holiday Beach. $16/adult, $14.50/senior each trip (dates are tentative) 
  1. Oct 14, (Saturday) meet at the Tip parking lot, Point Pelee
  2. Oct 28, (Saturday) meet at the Tip parking lot, Point Pelee
  3. Nov 11, (Saturday) meet at the Hawk Tower, Holiday Beach C.A.
  4. Dec 02, (Saturday) meet at the Tip parking lot, Point Pelee
Harvest Moon
Tuesday October 17, 2017, 7:00pm to 8:30pm. John R. Park Homestead Essex County Rd 50 & Iler Rd, Harrow, ON N0R 1G0, Canada 
An unforgettable autumn evening. Get hands-on in the harvest as you make your own traditional craft, help to press the fresh apple cider and listen to a scary story by candlelight in the 1842 farm house. Pre-registration required. $15/person. Register online at  www.harvestmoon2017.eventbrite.ca.
Detroit River Water Festival
Thursday October 19 2017, Belle Isle Park, Detroit, MI   
The Detroit River Water Festival is a day-long educational event designed to help middle school students learn about our most precious natural resource - clean, fresh water. Students from the Detroit area will come together to learn about the Detroit River. For more information: www.detroitriverwaterfestival.com.
Stewardship Saturday
Saturday October 19th 2017, Belle Isle Park, 9am to 12pm, Detroit, MI   
Join the DNR and Belle Isle Conservancy for Stewardship Saturdays. For questions or more information please e-mail Laurel Malvitz-Draper, DNR Resource Steward for the Stewardship Unit at malvitz@michigan.gov. *Location: Meet on Central Avenue, just east of Portage Way (FYI, this street is listed as Meadow Rd in google maps).
Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday October 19 2017, 9:00am to 11:00am, Belle Isle Nature Zoo, Flynn Pavilion - Near Intersection of Picnic Way & Loiter Way, Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, 48207
Please see their website for past agendas, meeting minutes, and additional information.
Job Postings
These postings are for jobs at various locations with varying deadlines. Please click on the job title to view job details. Contact the listed agency in the job ad for more information. 


The DRCC initiative is a partnership between government, industry, academics, as well as environmental and community organizations that work together to improve the Detroit River ecosystem through a Remedial Action Plan. Our main goal is to remove the river from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern.