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

Canada and the United States Designate the First Set of Chemicals of Mutual Concern

The 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement requires the United States and Canada to identify Chemicals of Mutual Concern that are potentially harmful to human health or the environment and that originate from anthropogenic sources. Pursuant to the Agreement, these substances will be targeted for binational action. The first set of Chemicals of Mutual Concern are:
  • Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
  • Long-Chain Perfluorinated carboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs)
  • Mercury
  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
  • Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
  • Polybromonated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs)
Additional information about the designation may be found by visiting http://binational.net/.
Canada and US Seek Nominations for Consideration in the Development of a Second Set of Candidate Chemicals of Mutual Concern
Pursuant to Annex 3 of the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Canada and the United States are seeking nominations of chemicals for consideration in the development of a second set of candidate Chemicals of Mutual Concern.
 
Additional information about the nomination process and criteria for candidate Chemicals of Mutual Concern nominations may be found by visiting http://binational.net/.
Making Big Picture Connections
Carolinian Canada Annual General Meeting 2016


Date: Friday, July 8, 2016, 11am-4pm
Location: Backus Heritage Conservation Education Centre
1267 Second Concession Road, Port Rowan, N0E 1M0

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to meet the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario and network with Carolinian Canada members at beautiful Backus Heritage Conservation Area. Prior to her appointment, Dianne was one of Canada's most respected environmental lawyers. She has 40 years' unparalleled experience writing, interpreting, and litigating Ontario's energy and environmental laws.
 
Check out the event schedule here.
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.
PROGRESSIVE AGRICULTURE SAFETY DAY
July 5, 2016: 9:30am-2:30pm
Harrow Fairgrounds, Harrow

A fun-filled community day for children, parents and grandparents. Topics for demonstrations and discussions may include: ATV safety, PTO safety, small tool safety, first aid, lawnmower safety, chemical safety, animal safety, machinery safety, water safety and sun safety. Registration fee is $5. This Safety Day includes lunch, snacks, a T-shirt, and take-home bag. You must pre-register by calling Bonnie at 519-723-2230 or by e-mail at [email protected].
HIKING ON PECHE ISLAND
July 7, 2016: 9:00am-noon 

Join Ojibway Nature Centre staff 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/person. For more information, call the Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852).
CEA STATE OF THE DETROIT RIVER BOAT TOUR
July 9, 2016: noon-4:00pm  
Festival Plaza, Windsor 

Tickets to this year's State of the Detroit River Boat Tour have sold out, once again! Special thanks to the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup for sponsoring this event. For more information about the CEA or other upcoming events, visit http://www.citizensenvironmentalliance.org/.
SCIENCE SATURDAY
July 9, 2016: noon-3:00pm
Belle Isle Aquarium, 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 12:00pm, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Come learn something new! For more information, please email [email protected] or visit http://detroitaquarium.weebly.com/science-saturday.html for past presentations.
ADVENTURES IN THE WILD, JUNIOR (ages 4-5)
Tuesdays, July 12-August 16, 2016: 9:00am-4:00pm
Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor 

Look for wildlife in Ojibway Park and discover an amazing variety of creatures with this hands-on program. Orienteering, guided hikes, creature features, art, science and craft activities are all part of this fun and educational camp. Fee: $164/person for 6 weeks. For more information, call the Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852).
ADVENTURES IN THE WILD, SENIOR (ages 6-9)
Tuesdays, July 12-August 16, 2016: 9:00am-4:00pm
Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor 

Come explore Ojibway Park and discover our pond, forest and prairie wildlife. GPS orienteering, guided hikes, art activities and creature features are all part of this unique program. Fee: $164/person for 6 weeks. For more information, call the Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852).
ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS' MEETING
July 13, 2016: 7:30pm
Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor 

Jenny Tan, Public Health Inspector, will be speaking on the prevention, symptoms and treatment of Lyme Disease and West Nile Disease. Join us for her presentation at the Ojibway Nature Centre, followed by light refreshments. Everyone is welcome! 
BELLE ISLE STEWARDSHIP DAY
July 16, 2016: 9:00am-noon
Belle Isle, MI

Join the DNR and Belle Isle Conservancy for Stewardship Saturdays. July Project: TBD
For questions or more information please email Laurel Malvitz-Draper, DNR Resource Steward for the Stewardship Unit at [email protected]
WORLD SNAKE DAY
July 16, 2016: 11:00am-3:00pm
Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor 

Join us for this family friendly event as we celebrate our scaly reptile friends with live turtles and snakes, hands-on presentations with local endangered species, crafts and more! Free admission. For more information, call the Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852).
PECHE ISLAND ADVENTURES (ages 7-12)
July 21, 2016: 9:00am-4:00pm 

Join Ojibway Nature Centre staff for this rare opportunity to explore the City of Windsor's island park. Boat trips, field studies, historical hikes are all part of this unique adventure. Very limited enrolment. Fee: $49/person. For more information, call the Ojibway Nature Centre (519-966-5852).
EXPLORE THE SHORE
July 23-24, 2016: 11:00am-5:00pm
County Road 50, Essex and Amherstburg 

Explore Canada's South Coast along County Road 50 as businesses open their doors for a weekend of fun! Visit the John R. Park Homestead and Holiday Beach Conservation Area for free admission. More details at exploretheshore.ca
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.