Softened Shoreline along the Detroit River with Belle Isle and MacArthur Bridge
Message from the RAP Assistant 

As of December, I have been working with the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup for four months, and have learned so much from so many people dedicated to the river system. All of the coordinated and collective efforts have made such a positive impact on the health of the river and in the community. There are new projects on the horizon for the Detroit River and I look forward to sharing them along the way, so stay tuned and be sure to keep reading our newsletter and stay in touch with us. As always, we love to hear from you. If you have any upcoming events, questions, or feedback, please email [email protected].   
 
Thank you,
Gina Pannunzio,
Remedial Action Plan Assistant
Detroit River Canadian Cleanup
Great Lakes Sustainability Fund
Environment and Climate Change Canada is calling for proposals to the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund. The deadline is January 16th 2017. Priority for GLSF funding will be given to projects that directly contribute towards the completion of necessary remedial actions and beneficial use impairments identified in the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup's most current work plan. If you have an idea for a restoration project in an Area of Concern and would like more information about funding opportunities, please contact [email protected].
 
If your organization intends on applying for a GLSF grant for work in the Detroit River Area of Concern, please contact Gina Pannunzio ( [email protected]) by December 7th in order to have it reviewed by the Steering and Implementation Committee.

Important Documents to Review and Use for Applications
Can be found and available for download on our website here.
Tree Swallow Nesting Boxes Update
During the first week of November, the DRCC went out with the Environment and Climate Change Canada research team to install predator guards on the four tree swallow nesting box sites along the Detroit River. These guards will reduce the risk of predation from snakes, raccoons and other predators interested in the nesting birds.

Tree swallows feed on insects that emerge from the bottom of the river, where they may be exposed to toxic chemicals. When the birds eat the insects, they can accumulate these toxins. These boxes are monitored 2-3 times per week during the nesting season. Data was collected in 2015/2016 on reproductive success (clutch size, hatching success, fledging success, weight at fledging) and contaminants in eggs including PCBs, mercury, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Together, these projects will help us to assess the Bird or Animal Deformities or Other Reproductive Problems Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI#5).
GIS Day 2016   
Discovering the World Through GIS   
The DRCC attended the University of Windsor's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences' GIS Day on Wednesday November 16th 2016. This day is celebrated all over the world to recognize and bring awareness to the importance of GIS technologies and how they are used around the world every day. The morning was filled with guest speakers from Windsor-Essex County who talked about their experience using mapping technology to help solve issues related to the environment and public infrastructure as well as helping to understand deeper social and economic patterns in communities. In all cases, GIS technology has made a difference in their approach to solving these issues. In the afternoon guests were able to experience using software to map Detroit River contaminants including Mercury and Arsenic. Students from high-schools and the universities worked together to look at raw data and draw patterns from sediment hot-spots and learn about the river as an Area of Concern.
Help Stop Lake Sturgeon Poaching
In September 2009, Lake Sturgeon were listed as threatened for the Great Lakes - Upper St. Lawrence and Northwestern Ontario populations and as special concern for the Hudson Bay - James Bay population. There is a ban in Ontario to commercially and sport fish Lake Sturgeon. We're seeing a comeback in the Detroit River population, and have put effort into creating habitat for the gentle river giant.

In October 2016, the Toronto Star published an article to raise awareness of the growing issue concerning Lake Sturgeon poaching and what people can do if they suspect this type of activity. For those who are out boating or hiking along waterways and notice things such as large pools of blood on the ground, heavy fishing line to pull sturgeon in or even fish tied up along the shoreline, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Read the full Toronto Star article here.
Bird Studies Canada Projects
The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) Program works to identify, monitor, and conserve the world's most important sites for birds and biodiversity. The globally significant Lower Detroit River IBA which extends from the north end of Fighting Island to the mouth at Lake Erie, is important for congregations of birds and waterfowl.

Ring-billed Gulls were originally a trigger species (in 1990 there were 34,021 pairs, 3.9% of the North American population on Fighting Island). Recently the gull colony has changed, but Canvasbacks still occur in significant numbers (in 2015, birders counted 9000 along the IBA, 1.7% of its global population)!  The IBA is also a winter home to many Redheads and Common Mergansers.
Christmas Bird Count
The ' Christmas Bird Count' (CBC) is conducted in over 2,000 localities across Canada, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.Christmas Bird Counts are conducted on any one day between December 14 and January 5 inclusive. They are carried out within a 24-km diameter circle that stays the same from year to year. These bird observations have been amassed into a huge database that reflects the distribution and numbers of winter birds over time.  Birds are indicators of the overall health of our environment. As well as adding an exciting and fun event to the holiday season, the Christmas Bird Count provides valuable insight into the long-term health of bird populations and the environment. 
 
Christmas Bird Counts are generally group efforts, though single-observer counts can and do happen. They are organized at the local level, usually by a birding club or naturalists organization. Volunteers are welcome! For more details about a count, please contact the organizer as listed below: 
 
BL - Rondeau - date TDB (Contact Keith J. Burk: [email protected]) 
NS -  Lakeshore - date TBD (Contact: [email protected])
CC -  Cedar Creek - December 17th 2016 (Contact Paul Pratt: [email protected])
PP - Point Pelee - date TBD. (Contact Sarah Rupert: [email protected]) 
HB Holiday Beach - December 27th 2016 (Contact Jeremy Hatt: [email protected]) 
SC - Saint Clair - date TBD (Contact Allen Woodliffe: [email protected])

To contact the CBC Coordinator, e-mail: [email protected]
Lower Detroit River IBA Waterbird Count
There will be two waterbird count events in the Lower Detroit River IBA this winter on Saturday January 28th and February 25th 2017. The activity will consist of two mornings of identifying waterbirds (mostly ducks) on the river in predetermined locations. More details will come as we get closer to the date.
To contact the Ontario IBA Coordinator, e-mail: [email protected].
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. 
Homestead Gift Shop
December 1st and 8th 2016, 12:00pm to 4:00pm, John R. Park Homestead 
Looking to support local artisans with your holiday gift list? Check out the John R. Park Homestead Gift Shop's unique selection of handmade goods. Discover a wide variety of knitted and carved items at the 1850s pioneer house. Proceeds of the gift shop support the ongoing conservation efforts at the Homestead.For more details or questions, contact the Homestead at 519-738-2029 or email the Curator at [email protected]
Fall Bird Migration Field Course
December 2nd, 8:30am, Point Pelee National Park 
A series of morning field trips to observe the incredible variety of birds that migrate through Southwestern Ontario each fall. Lead by Paul Pratt. Meet in the morning field (8:30am - 11:30am am) at the tip parking lot. $16 each ($14.50 for seniors). VISA, MasterCard and Debit card are accepted for in-person registration at Ojibway Nature Centre. There is a 10% discount for families and seniors.
Deeper Dive: Bite of the Amazon
Friday December 2nd 2016, 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Belle Isle Aquarium, 900 Inselruhe Avenue, Detroit Michigan, 48297, USA  
This event is the first in a series of Deeper Dive events that will showcase new aquarium exhibits and give attendees a glimpse of Belle Isle Aquarium after dark! The evening will feature our new exhibit of red bellied piranha from Colombia, South America, and will offer patrons a walk on the wild side in a jungle theme and a taste of the Amazon with food and beverages with South American flare. South American inspired small bites available from 8pm-10pm. Funds raised from the evening will contribute to the operations and maintenance of the Belle Isle Aquarium.
Hallam Observatory Open House Night Sky Viewing
Saturday December 3rd 2016, 7:00pm, 3989 South Middle Road, Comber, ON.  
Join the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Windsor Centre for an exciting evening of viewing the planets, stars, and everything else in the night sky at the Hallam Observatory in Comber, Ontario on Saturday, December 3, 2016.The Hallam Observatory is open to the general public one evening every month. If the skies are clear you will enjoy a naked eye sky tour of the stars and constellations and use the telescope to view the Moon and any planets that may be visible at that time as well as some deep sky objects (star clusters, galaxies, etc.).Please note that this event is "weather permitting" and although their telescopes are powerful they cannot see through clouds. The site has plenty of parking however it is not plowed in the winter and if there is snow on the ground access can be limited. More info here.

Science Saturday
Saturday December 10, 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.
Eve of Saint Nicholas
Sunday December 11, 12pm to 4pm, John R. Park Homestead 
See the Homestead in its holiday splendour. The pioneer house and grounds are decorated with materials gathered from the farm and forest. Warm up with mulled cider and roasted chestnuts. Meet St. Nicholas' historic counterparts, Ruprecht and Belsnickel. Check the 'list' to see if you have been naughty or nice this year. Make a gingerbread cookie and traditional ornament to take home. $4 per child, $6 per adult, $20 family maximum. More at erca.org/jrph 
Candlelight Christmas
Tuesday December 13, 7pm to 9pm, John R. Park Homestead 
See the 1842 house decorated with natural materials from forest and farm, craft a traditional ornament, bake on the hearth, and ring the sleigh bells. Costumed guides will take visitors through the house and farm after sundown. Various stops along the way offer guests a seasonal participation experience straight from the days of John and Amelia Park. $15 registration fee.Pre-register online at erca.org/jrph
Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday December 15 2016, 9:00am to 11:00am, Belle Isle Casino, 1 Casino Way, Detroit Michigan, 48297, USA  
Please see their website for past agendas, meeting minutes, and additional information!
Dark Sky Night at Point Pelee National Park
Saturday December 17th 2016, Point Pelee National Park, 7:30pm to 12:00am  
With the first official day of Winter on the doorstep, sunset comes early and the nights are long. The dark night sky is now a sight to behold with Orion, Taurus, and all the other constellations of the cold weather season making their debut. Members from The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Windsor Centre will be on hand in the Visitor Centre parking area until midnight for a guided tour of some of the many, lovely star clusters visible at this time of year; along with the sight of the moon, only three days past full, rising dramatically in the east.

Dark Sky Nights are selected because they offer the darkest skies for optimum viewing due to their proximity to the new moon. Designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Windsor Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, the Park will be open until midnight. For the best star gazing encounters, we recommend you come equipped with binoculars or a telescope.
For further information on our special events or regular programs:
Stewardship Saturday
Saturday December 17th, 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].
Christmas Bird Count
Various Dates, Times and Locations in Essex-Windsor and Chatham Kent, ON 
The ' Christmas Bird Count' (CBC) is conducted in over 2000 localities across Canada, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.Christmas Bird Counts are conducted on any one day between December 14 and January 5 inclusive. They are carried out within a 24-km diameter circle that stays the same from year to year. These bird observations have been amassed into a huge database that reflects the distribution and numbers of winter birds over time.  Birds are indicators of the overall health of our environment. As well as adding an exciting and fun event to the holiday season, the Christmas Bird Count provides valuable insight into the long-term health of bird populations and the environment. 
  
Christmas Bird Counts are generally group efforts, though single-observer counts can and do happen. They are organized at the local level, usually by a birding club or naturalists organization. Volunteers are welcome! For more details about a count, please contact the organizer as listed below: 

BL - Rondeau - date TDB (Contact Keith J. Burk: [email protected]) 
NS -  Lakeshore - date TBD (Contact: [email protected])
CC -  Cedar Creek - 12/17/2016 (Contact Paul Pratt: [email protected])
PP - Point Pelee - 12/19/2016. (Contact Sarah Rupert: [email protected]) 
HB Holiday Beach - 12/27/2016 (Contact Jeremy Hatt: [email protected]) 
SC - Saint Clair - date TBD (Contact Allen Woodliffe: [email protected])
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. 
Friends of the Detroit River Outreach Position
Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) is excited to announce it is looking to hire a person to do community outreach. This position is in partnership with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Fish Consumption Advisory Program.
 
Brief Job Description
  • Attends events and activities to promote and educate on FDR Projects and Fish Consumption Advisory Program
  • Maintains a positive, strong, credible, professional and interpersonal relationship with all parties relevant to MDHHS and FDR projects, and represents the best interests of MDHHS and FDR at all times.
Qualifications/Requirements
Education: high school diploma or equivalent; bachelor's degree in any subject preferred.

Important Skills and Characteristics: excellent oral and written communication skills are important, especially the ability to convey technical information to the lay public. Professional demeanor required.
To request a detailed job description, ask questions, or submit resume, please contact Friends of the Detroit River at [email protected] or 734-288-3889
 
Resumes are due by December 7th 2016


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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.