August 2016
THE CURRENT
A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about the Detroit River.

U.S. and Canada release Report on Groundwater Science
In response to a commitment in the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to publish a report on relevant and available groundwater science, the United States and Canada have finalized and released a report entitled "Groundwater Science Relevant to the Great Lakes Water Quality: A Status Report." The report was finalized by the Parties after considering public comments on a draft report that was released in December of 2015. The report, which is available on Binational.net, is a product of extensive collaboration among experts in a variety of subject areas and summarizes current knowledge on groundwater in the Great Lakes region.

Join us at the Great Lakes Public Forum to learn more about the importance of groundwater to Great Lakes water quality. To register, visit Binational.net.
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
The Detroit River in the news....here are some relevant, external links to news articles that may pique your interest. Click on the link to read on.
Upcoming Events
Save the date for these great local events! Please ensure you contact the organizer for more information.
HIKING ON PECHE ISLAND
August 4, 2016: 9:00am-noon 

Join staff from the Ojibway Nature Centre for this rare opportunity to explore the City of Windsor's island park, located in the Detroit River. Boat trips, an extensive hike and historical tour are all part of this unique adventure. Very limited enrolment. Fee: $29/adult. For more information, contact the Ojibway Nature Centre at 519-966-5852.
GUIDED TOUR OF THE DOSSIN GREAT LAKES MUSEUM
August 6, 2016: 11:30am-1:00pm
Dossin Great Lakes Museum, 100 The Strand, Detroit, MI

The Detroit historical Society is excited to offer an adult tour of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Saturday, August 6 at 11:30 a.m. Come out to learn about the geographic, economic, social and cultural development of the Detroit River and the Great Lakes waterways. Find out how the Great Lakes provide transportation routes for shipping goods and people, and the roles the Great Lakes played in the War of 1812 and World War II. Tickets are $5 per person, and the tours will last one and a half hours. Register online here or call 313-833-7979. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event. 
LOST ARTS FESTIVAL
August 7, 2016: noon-4:00pm
John R. Park Homestead, 915 County Road 50, Essex 

Celebrate summer with a visit to the lakeshore. See demonstrations of lost arts and learn tips from the experts on becoming more self-sustaining. Visit the re-enactors camp and learn about life in an earlier time. Stay for the day and enjoy hands-on activities, live music, livestock displays and games for children. Pay at the door. $6/adult, $4/child, $20 family maximum. More at erca.org/jrph/
NATIVE GARDEN TROLLEY TOUR
August 7, 2016: 1:00pm-4:30pm
River Canard Park, LaSalle

As interest in pollinators and native plants continues to grow, ERCA is pleased to present this year's Native Garden Tour on Sunday, August 7. While visiting three local gardens, participants will learn about the diversity and versatility of native plants and how to incorporate them into home landscaping. Starting at River Canard Park in LaSalle, participants will be treated to a trolley ride courtesy of Windsor Essex Trolley Tours. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Tickets for the tour are $15/person. Each participant will receive a native plant and seeds to take home, and be entered into a draw for a prize donated by Cindy's Garden Centre. The event is funded in part by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. This event is rain or shine and refreshments will be available. To register for the tour online, visit ERCAgardentour2016.eventbrite.ca.  
CAPTIVATING CRITTERS (ages 3-5)
Mondays, August 8-29, 2016: 10:00am-noon
Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor

TWILIGHT TOUR
August 9, 2016: 5:00pm
Huber Farm, 1655 Huffman Road, Harrow  

Each year the Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association (ESCIA) hosts a Twilight Tour of a local agricultural property that highlights conservation practices. This year's Twilight Tour will take place at the farm of Don and Neal Huber in Harrow. Don and Neal Huber were awarded a Conservation Farm Award from the ESCIA in 2015. For more information, contact Michael Dick ([email protected]). 
ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS' MEETING
August 10, 2016: 7:30pm
Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor 

With nearly 300 bird species seen annually and around 400 species total historically, Essex County is without a doubt one of the highest quality regions in Canada for bird watching. Join Jeremy Bensette, one of Ontario's current top birders, as he walks us through the art of finding birds in Essex County. Everyone is welcome! 
SCIENCE SATURDAY
August 13, 2016: noon, 1:00pm and 2:00pm
Belle Isle Aquarium, 300 River Place Drive, Detroit, MI 

Allow our guest speakers to lead you on an interesting science journey at Science Saturday! Hear speakers from universities and organizations from around Michigan and Canada give 20-minute presentations on a special topic during this dynamic lecture series. Lectures are held at noon, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Come learn something new! For more information, please e-mail [email protected] or click here to view past presentations.  
BELLE ISLE STEWARDSHIP DAY
August 20, 2016: 9:00am-noon
Belle Isle, MI

Join the DNR and Belle Isle Conservancy for Stewardship Saturdays. August Project: TBD
For more information, please e-mail Laurel Malvitz-Draper, DNR Resource Steward for the Stewardship Unit, at [email protected]
WET AND WILD HAWK RUN
August 21, 2016: 10:00am-1:00pm
Holiday Beach Conservation Area, 6952 County Road 50, Harrow  

Get Wet. Be Wild. Participate in a 5k walk or run at the beautiful Holiday Beach Conservation Area. Held in partnership with WRACE. More information at erca.org/active/ or register online here
NECTAR FESTIVAL
August 27, 2016: 9:00am-noon
Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor 

Learn about the sweet lives of hummingbirds, butterflies and other nectar lovers. Join us for hummingbird banding and tips on how to attract these jewels to your yard. Banding will start around 9:00 a.m. and displays, activities and treats will run all morning. Fee: free admission. For more information, contact the Ojibway Nature Centre at 519-966-5852. 
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.