TASTE OF STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEER WORK DAY

We will be offering a morning of learning and working on the refuge open to the public to anyone willing to work hard and learn. We will take you out on the Humbug unit of the refuge and show you how our stewardship crew manages the habitat. Registration required. Please contact Visitor Services Manager, Jody DeMeyere at [email protected] or call 734-692-7649 to register.

BIRD HIKE IN LASALLE

Join Essex County Field Naturalists' Club members, Karen Hass and Ian Woodfield, on a trip to two lesser known birding hotspots. Target birds, but no guarantees, include Spotted Sandpiper at Vollmer and Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink at CKWW. Meet at noon at the Vollmer Complex Pond near the traffic circle on Laurier Pkwy, LaSalle east of Malden Road ( Google Maps).

ESSEX COUNTY FIELD NATURALISTS' MEETING

Massasauga Recovery at Ojibway Prairie

Jonathan Choquette will be giving a talk about his work to recover the local population of Massasauga Rattlesnakes. The Ojibway Prairie population of Massasaugas is one of only two populations of this species remaining in Canada's Carolinian zone. It is geographically isolated from its Canadian counterparts by over 300 km, is genetically unique, and is the only representative of a tallgrass prairie population of this species in Canada. We are now at the point where less than a dozen adults remain. Since 2013, Jonathan has worked with Wildlife Preservation Canada to implement strategic recovery and monitoring actions recommended in the Recovery Strategy for the Massasauga in Canada. Come out to hear about the actions that have been implemented and some of the results! Everyone is welcome!

COMMUNITY PLANTING EVENT

Volunteers are invited to help plant native wildflowers and grasses at the Lens Avenue site. Volunteers are encouraged to wear boots and long pants, and to dress for the weather. Planting equipment and gloves will be provided. High school students can earn community service hours. A light barbecue lunch will also be available for all volunteers. For more information, contact Caroline, Outreach Coordinator for ERCA at [email protected] or 519-776-5209, ext. 245.

LITTLE RIVER POLLUTION CONTROL PLANT OPEN HOUSE

Ever wonder where it goes, when you go? Come out to the Little River Pollution Control Plant for a guided tour. There will also be environmental displays and activities for children. The DRCC will have a display and we hope to see you there! 

BELLE ISLE STEWARDSHIP DAY

Join the DNR and Belle Isle Conservancy for stewardship Saturdays. Our focus is cutting invasive shrubs, especially glossy and common buckthorn and honeysuckle, to restore the wet mesic flatwoods on the island. Meet on Woodside Drive at the trailhead parking area just north of the canal bridge. From The Strand, pass the athletic fields and Vista Drive, then turn left at the next road (there is a brick bathroom building at the corner). For more information, contact Laurel Malvitz at 313-331-7760. Register here.

SOUTH COAST ADVENTURE RACE

This beginner - intermediate multi-sport adventure race course will include cycling, trekking, orienteering and paddling. Solo racers or teams of 2 or 3 male, female, co-ed or youth participants can put their skills to the test along this 6-8 hour race course. Race details and registration information can be found here.

CEA STATE OF THE DETROIT RIVER BOAT TOUR

Expert narration about the Detroit River's environmental hot spots and unique fish and wildlife habitats demonstrates why we must continue to value this special river and do what we can to protect it. The cruise includes lunch, cash bar and several guest speakers. Special thanks to the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup for sponsoring this event. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit http://www.citizensenvironmentalliance.org/. To inquire about purchasing tickets at our office with cash or cheque, please e-mail us at [email protected] or call 519-973-1116.