The DRCC presents What Lies Below
March 22 2017 at Lakeshore Cinemas, 164 Commercial Blvd., Tecumseh, ON. Doors open at 6:30pm and the film will begin at 7:00pm.
Free Film Screening on World Water Day!

What Lies Below is a Canadian documentary featuring Lawrence Gunther, a blind graduate from York University's master's program in environmental studies and a highly regarded speaker, writer and radio host on the subject of fishing and Canada's aquatic ecosystems. He is visiting and interviewing people across Canada to learn about their concerns and hopes for their local fisheries. The documentary explores what local people are doing to ensure the future sustainability of Canada's water and traditional fisheries. Lawrence Gunther draws on his perspective to explore and share what others aren't able to see taking place beneath the waves.

Admission is free but registration is required because there is limited seating for this event. A panel discussion with Lawrence Gunther and local experts will immediately follow the screening. Please register in advance by visiting www.detroitriver.ca/movie 

Film Website: What Lies Below
Link to the film trailer: https://vimeo.com/183354357
Lower Detroit  River Waterbird Counts
Lower Detroit River is an Important Bird Area (IBA) recognized by Bird Studies Canada (BSC) and their Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Program. This site extends from the north end of Fighting Island to the mouth at Lake Erie, and is important for congregations of birds and waterfowl.

On January 28th 2017, BSC and volunteers counted a total of 23 species and 4,391 individual birds (4,098 of them waterfowl). Numbers for trigger species of the IBA were 1,565 Canvasbacks, and 1,790 Redheads! There will be more information added on the DRCC website from additional counts. For more photos, please visit the DRCC website and 2017 Waterbird Count page here. 
World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day is recognized on March 3 each year to celebrate all of the different plants and wild animals on Earth and raise awareness on the importance of conservation, highlight threatened or endangered species and connect individuals to action to do their part to protect wildlife.
The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup recognizes World Wildlife Day
The  Detroit River ecosystem is recognized as one of the most biodiverse areas within the Great Lakes Basin, and one of the most noteworthy rivers in North America. It is a connecting channel that links the Upper Great Lakes to the Lower Great Lakes, and is part of the Huron Erie Corridor. The resources it provides are invaluable to millions of people in both Canada and the United States who call it their 'backyard,' as well as home to many different species of plants and wildlife. It provides purpose to those living in this area as it draws individuals outside to explore it and inevitably enhances the quality of life for those who acknowledge its value. Read more about the Detroit River's wildlife by visiting the DRCC news page here!
Detroit River Wildlife Top L to R (Brown Bullhead, Eastern Fox Snake, Blue Heron). Middle L to R (Canadian Geese, Prickly Wild Rose, Tree Swallow hatchlings. Bottom L to R (Northern Leopard Frog, Red Legged Grasshopper, Painted Turtle).
International Day of Action for Rivers
Each year on March 14, International Day of Action for Rivers is recognized to celebrate efforts around the world to protect and restore rivers. Globally, rivers are shared by multiple boundaries, and this day highlights the shared goal to strengthen regional and international networks who are stewards to the resources.

The Detroit River has served an important role in the history of the Windsor-Detroit area and is one of the busiest waterways in the world that connects Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The River is designated an American Heritage River and a Canadian Heritage River, the only river to have this dual designation.

There are many actions both Canada and the United States have taken to make progress on restoring the Detroit River. To read about these efforts and read a list of upcoming events please visit the DRCC news page here and keep an eye out for the media release!  
Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOC)    
Environment and Climate Change Canada provides information about all Canadian AOCs as well as Great Lakes Sustainability Fund (GLSF) project updates.  
The new site outlines the general AOC program objective, describes what AOCs are in relation to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (1987), and provides a great summary of some of the major projects. If you are curious about the Detroit River Canadian AOC, click here to read about specific remedial actions taken. If you would like to explore other AOCs, they are listed on the main page here.
The Round Greenbriar Proposed Recovery Strategy Input Invitation    
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is looking for your input on the proposed Recovery Strategy for the Round-leaved Greenbrier. This threatened wood-climbing vine may exist in your area and you can help protect it!
The Round Greenbriar  - Photo Credits: Steven J. Baskauf
The Round-leaved Greenbrier is a plant species listed as 'Threatened' under the Species at Risk Act. This wood-climbing vine has oval- to heart-shaped leaves and woody stems that are armed with prickles. In Ontario, this species can be found in Essex County, Norfolk County and the Niagara Region in moist deciduous forests typically dominated by Red Maple, Red Oak or Pin Oak trees.
 
High intensity logging, alterations to the moisture regime, and habitat loss and fragmentation are identified as major threats to the Round-leaved Greenbrier's survival. During the 60-day consultation period now underway, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking any information you may have about the species and its needs, as well as threats to the species or its habitat. ECCC  is also seeking your views on the conservation and protection measures proposed in the recovery strategy.
 
You are invited view the document and provide your comments online at  www.sararegistry.gc.ca (click on Get Involved - Public Consultations).

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. 
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Windsor Centre - Open House
Saturday March 4th 2017, 7pm, Hallam Observatory - 3989 South Middle Road 
The Hallam Observatory is open to the public one evening every month. This event is "weather permitting" as the telescopes cannot see through clouds. For more information about future Hallam Observatory open house dates view the open house page and for a map/directions to the Hallam Observatory click here.
Maple Syrup Festival
Sunday March 5th 2017, 11am to 4pm, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, Essex County Road 50 & Iler Road, Harrow, ON  
Wear your boots to Essex County's premier Maple Syrup Festival. Make maple taffy in the snow and see syrup being made the pioneer way. Learn the science of maple. Pure maple products for sale. $4 per child, $6 per adult, $20 family maximum. More at erca.org/maple. 
Life in the Soil
March 7 to 9 2017, various times and locations, please view schedule by following the link below. 
Life in the Soil is a three-day event  featuring Interactive workshops, excursions, and participatory discussions led by artists, activists, farmers, and scholars who are each invested in the scientific, indigenous, embodied and practical knowledge about the vital nature of soils.
Essex County Field Naturalists' Club Annual General Meeting
Wednesday March 8th 2017, 7:30pm, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON 
Join the Essex County Field Naturalists Club for their Annual General Meeting, try your hand at the Quizmaster's latest brain-busters, bid on some silent auction items, and enjoy light snacks and beverages. For more information please contact: Carl Maiolani: [email protected]
Science Saturday
Saturday March 11th 2017, Belle Isle Aquarium, 12pm to 3pm, Detroit, MI   
Allow guest speakers to lead you on an interesting science journey at Science Saturday! Lectures will be twenty minutes in length each and are held at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Come and learn something new! For more information please e-mail [email protected] or visit their website here for past presentations.
Essex County Field Naturalists' Club Tree ID and Appreciation Walk
Sunday March 12th 2017, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON, 2pm 
Join Dave Kraus for an informative walk around the Ojibway Nature Centre and surrounding trails as he shares knowledge and tips for identifying trees as well as interesting facts about them! The walk will begin at 2pm. For more information please contact: Carl Maiolani: [email protected]
Maple March Break
March 14th 2017, 1:30pm to 3pm, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, Essex County Road 50 & Iler Road, Harrow, ON 
Arrive early, dress warmly, and wear boots. Tour the site with a costumed guide and discover the sweet process of maple syrup and sugar making in the pioneer method. Help carry the sap using pails and a wooden yoke. Try your hand at the brace and bit drill. See the trees tapped and the sap evaporating. Learn the history of this sweet springtime treat as you help to make and taste maple sugar. Pay at the door. $4/child, $6/adult, $20 family. More at erca.org/maple.
Maple Moon
March 14th 2017, 7:00pm to 8:30pm, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, Essex County Road 50 & Iler Road, Harrow, ON 
Join us for an old-fashioned sugaring off party! Help collect sap and boil it down by moonlight. Make taffy on the snow, join in the barn dance, linger for star gazing and legends. Pre-registration required. $15/person. More at erca.org/maple.
March Madness
March 13th to 17th 2017, Point Pelee National Park 
Looking for something to do this March Break? Bring the whole family and get active in Point Pelee National Park! Embark on an adventure to complete our outdoor scavenger hunt, for your chance to win a prize! Explore a trail and witness the beauty of late winter in the park. For further information on our special events or regular programs, call: (519)-322-2365 Ext. 0 or e-mail: [email protected].
Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday March 16th 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!
Maple March Break
March 17th 2017, 1:30pm to 3pm, John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area, Essex County Road 50 & Iler Road, Harrow, ON 
Arrive early, dress warmly, and wear boots. Tour the site with a costumed guide and discover the sweet process of maple syrup and sugar making in the pioneer method. Help carry the sap using pails and a wooden yoke. Try your hand at the brace and bit drill. See the trees tapped and the sap evaporating. Learn the history of this sweet springtime treat as you help to make and taste maple sugar. Pay at the door. $4/child, $6/adult, $20 family. More at erca.org/maple.
Maple Dinner
March 18th 2017, 6pm to 9pm, Oxley Estate Winery, 533 County Road 50 E, Harrow, ON 
You're invited to Oxley Estate Winery for a maple-themed dinner. Proceeds from this event go towards the Essex Region Conservation Foundation for cultural heritage to protect and restore the John R. Park Homestead. Cost is $65 per person. For reservations call 519-738-3264. More at erca.org/maple.
Stewardship Saturday
Saturday March 18th 2017, Belle Isle Park, 9am to 12pm, Detroit, MI   
Join the DRN 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 [email protected]. *Location: Meet on Central Avenue, just east of Portage Way (FYI, this street is listed as Meadow Rd in google maps*
International Joint Commission Roundtable and Public Meeting
March 21st 2017, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater, Detroit, Michigan Detroit, MI. 
The draft Triennial Assessment of Progress (TAP) report under the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the International Joint Commission commends Canada and the United States was released January 2017 to obtain public input until April 15th 2017. All comments regarding the draft TAP report as well as the two countries' progress report can be sent to [email protected] and online at ParticipateIJC.org.

A roundtable and public meeting will be held on Tuesday March 21, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater, Detroit, Michigan. Key topics: Areas of Concern, water quality and human health, green infrastructure, environmental justice, recreational use.
  • Roundtable from 1-4 p.m. with local experts on key issues (the public is welcome to attend and listen to the conversation)
  • Public Meeting at 6 p.m.

For more information and to register, please visit participateijc.org.  
River Keeper Dinner
Saturday April 1st 2017, Wyandotte Boat Club, 1 Pine St, Wyandotte, MI 48192, USA  
The Detroit Riverkeeper Program is central to the mission of the Friends of the Detroit River, and the Riverkeeper Dinner each spring is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of FDR and the Riverkeeper Program. We have been blessed by the generous support of the Wyandotte Boat Club, which opens up their facility for our fundraising dinner each year. The event includes a delicious buffet dinner, a silent auction, and an informational presentation. It is the primary fundraiser for the Riverkeeper Program, and is a great networking event, with many of our members and friends in attendance. For more information please contact [email protected].
Earth Day 2017 Student Contest
Submissions must include the student's name, grade, school name, as well as their teacher's name and email address. Submission deadline is April 15, 2017 by 4pm.
In recognition of Canada's 150th birthday, the Essex Region Conservation Authority is asking students to envision what they want our environment to look like in the next 150 years. Students are invited to tell ERCA what they want for the future of our ecosystems. This contest asks students to dream big on what could or should be done! Whether it's solar panels on every home, or forests on every street, we want to hear their vision for the environment well into the future!

Submit entries digitally by email to [email protected] with the subject heading "Earth Day Art Contest" or via mail to:

Essex Region Conservation
RE: Earth Day Contest Entries
360 Fairview Avenue W. Suite 311
Essex, ON. N8M 1Y6
.
Lower Detroit River Cleanup
Saturday April 22nd 2017, Rotary Park, Trenton, MI.  
In late April each year, a flotilla of small boats ferries eager volunteers out to various islands and shorelines in the Lower Detroit River to collect the accumulated debris that has collected over the past year. This event is the Lower Detroit River Cleanup, and is based at Rotary Park in Trenton, thanks to the support of the City of Trenton. Over the years, the Cleanup has removed tons of trash from the lower river. The Cleanup is Riverkeeper Program project, and gives volunteers the opportunity to help make the river cleaner, as well as to get out on the river and to appreciate the need for stewardship of this valuable resource. Volunteers and the trash collected are returned to the park, where lunch is served. View Brochure. For more information please contact [email protected].
Earth Day Community Tree Planting
Sunday April 23rd 2017, 10am to 12pm, Windsor, ON 
Get your shovels out and join the DRCC and the Essex Region Conservation Authority on Sunday April 23rd 2017 to celebrate Earth Day and help plant more than 2,000 native trees and shrubs in the City of Windsor, and Detroit River watershed! While there are some shovels to share, you may consider bringing your own to this free event!

Event happens at Florence & Wyandotte in Windsor. Parking will be available at the Sand Point Beach Parking Lot off Riverside Drive. Click here for a map with these details.

Register your Green Team by visiting  www.erca.org/earthday to fill out the online form. Teams of 10 or more receive special recognition!
Earth Day Windsor Essex
Sunday April 23rd 2017, 10am to 3pm, Malden Park, 4200 Malden Rd., Windsor, ON 
Join us to celebrate Earth Day 2017 on Sunday, April 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Malden Park (4200 Malden road). This event is free for the public. There will be over 40 environmental exhibits; wildflower planting; arts and crafts; a nature scavenger hunt; and many more environmental activities! More details here.

Earth Day is a day on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth's natural environment.  Earth Day Windsor Essex has been celebrated since 1989.

For general information, call 311. For detailed inquiries, please contact:
Environment and Sustainability Coordinator, [email protected] or (519) 253-3290.
Conference on Great Lakes Research
May 15 to 19 2017, Cobo Centre, 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, USA 
The 60th annual conference on Great Lakes research is scheduled from May 15-19, 2017 at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The focus will be the theme "From Cities to Farms: Shaping Great Lakes Ecosystems." For more information please visit their site here.
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Green Infrastructure Conference
May 31 to June 2 2017, Cobo Hall, 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, USA 
Save the date for the first ever Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Green Infrastructure Conference, May 31 - June 2, 2017, at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan. This conference will draw up to 1,000 engineers, landscape architects, water quality professionals, government officials (local, state, provincial, and federal), developers, planners, academia, drain and road agencies, conservation and non-profit organizations, and interest groups from around the Great Lakes basin in Canada and the U.S. For more information please visit their site here.
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. 


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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.