SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL MEETING!

All are welcome to attend our 14th annual Detroit River Evening on June 18 2025! This event is free to the public and includes guest speakers highlighting achievements and project updates the DRCC partnership accomplished in the last year. The 2024/25 annual report and our Pathway to Delisting document will also be launched at the event. Join in the celebration, and keep an eye out for updates on this special event. Registration and event information are available at www.detroitriver.ca/dre2025.

April is EARTH MONTH!

The theme for Earth Day® 2025 is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. 

History of Earth Day®

Earth Day® is celebrated annually on April 22. The history of this event includes people reflecting after the industrial revolution resulted in the degradation of the environment. Rachel Carson's Silent Spring was published in 1962. People were connecting and lamenting for the planet. The first Earth Day® in the United States was organized by Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator from Wisconsin and Denis Hayes, a young activist. The movement began on collage and university campuses. April 22 1970 saw over 20 million Americans protesting, demanding for a better future for the planet.


The first Earth Day® in Canada was a major protest in Windsor. A mock funeral was held on the Detroit River to symbolize the ecological death of the Lake Erie watershed. The 1970s brought forward the Clean Water Act and the creation of the Department of the Environment in Canada.


Watch the funeral through the CBC Player here: Earth Day observed by Windsor and Detroit in 1970 | CBC.ca


Read more about the history of Earth Day here.

Local Earth Day® Celebrations

Save the dates for the following local events, click each digital promo below to go to the event page.

Amherstburg Council has proclaimed 2025 as the Year of the Tree, following the recommendation of the Environmental Committee! This initiative highlights the importance of trees in our community – from their role in improving air quality to providing shade and supporting biodiversity.

Amherstburg's Map & Grow Program - Saturday, April 19, 2025

Back by popular demand. The Town of Amherstburg is happy to present the Map and Grow Program for the 4th year in partnership with the University of Windsor, School of the Environment.  


Earth Day® Tree Planting - Saturday, April 19, 2025


In celebration of Earth Day, the Town of Amherstburg are excited to announce the successful planting of 100 new trees in our community. This initiative is a step forward in their commitment to fostering a greener and healthier environment.


We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who joined us in this effort. Your hard work and enthusiasm made this event a resounding success.

Earth Day® Malden Park Celebration

Tuesday, April 22, 2025, marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day®. This year, the City of Windsor's local event will be on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Games, prizes and free entertainment! Bring your reusable water bottle. 


Get outside and join the city at Malden Park, 4200 Malden Road, for a variety of free activities and entertainment. Celebrate by visiting with many of the environmentally conscious organizations in our area. 

Earth Day® Community Tree Planting

Sunday April 27 2025, 10am to 12pm, greenspace along the Little River corridor and Ganatchio trail (Wyandotte Street east and Florence Avenue).


Come plant over 2,000 trees! Green team registration closes April 20th 2025 at 12pm.

Windsor of Change - Earth Hero Challenge


Think you’ve got what it takes to be an Earth Hero? Join the Earth Hero Challenge by completing eco-friendly activities all month long! Whether in school, at home, or with friends, rack up points and discover your Earth Hero title at the end of April. For more information.


📅 For Grades 3-8 | 🌱


Windsor of Change Photography Contest and Fundraiser


Our friends at Windsor of Change are looking for stunning photos that showcase Windsor-Essex’s natural beauty in a fresh, creative light. Got a shot that brings the outdoors to life? Submit up to two digital photos for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes, be showcased on Windsor of Change’s channels, and the Fall issue of Art Create Learn magazine!

 

Fundraiser Alert! Your $1+ donation per entry helps fuel Windsor of Change’s work—developing sustainability guides, creating educational resources, hosting community events and supporting our team as we make Windsor-Essex greener!

 

🗓️ Deadline: April 20 | 🎟️ $1 minimum donation. Submit photos here.

Media Release: Minister Guilbeault confirms more than $36M in federal support toward a national urban park in the Windsor area

Canada is establishing a historic network of national urban parks, allowing millions of Canadians living in Canada’s largest urban centres to access green spaces, learn about natural and cultural heritage, create healthier and more resilient communities, and protect wildlife and biodiversity in urban areas.


In March, Chief Nikki van Oirschot of Caldwell First Nation and Kieran McKenzie, Councillor for the City of Windsor, joined the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, in Windsor, Ontario, to reaffirm their joint commitment to designate a national urban park in the Windsor area.


During the announcement, the minister confirmed $36.1 million over five years for the national urban park, and an additional $4.6 million per year of ongoing, long-term funding for its operation as First Nations and partners continue to work toward advancing a park designation agreement this year.



The lands and waters identified for inclusion in the proposed national urban park are culturally and historically significant to the First Nations peoples who have stewarded them for millennia. The creation of a national urban park in the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy is an opportunity to support and foster First Nations’ leadership and stewardship in conserving and restoring these lands and waters for future generations of Windsorites and Canadians.

Read the full release

Local environmental champions receive King Charles III Coronation Medals

On Sunday March 9 2025, MP Brian Masse presented eighteen outstanding individuals from the Windsor-Essex community with a King Charles III Coronation Medal. All individuals have made a positive impact in the region.


Of the recipients, congratulations to Mike Fisher, the Friends of Ojibway President and Rick Labonté from Local 444 Environment Committee!


Mike was recognized for his efforts in local environmental stewardship and advocacy, his leadership as the President of FOOP and for his tremendous efforts in advocating for the protection of the Ojibway Prairie Complex as National Urban Park. He also serves on the City of Windsor's Environment and Climate Change Advisory Committee, as a Regional Councillor and Board Member with Ontario Nature and is an advocate within the Nature Canada's Nature Network.


Rick Labonté is from the Local 444 Environment Committee. His extensive achievements include advocating for the creation of an Ojibway National Urban Park as well. Photo of Rick and Mike courtesy of the Friends of Ojibway Prairie Facebook page.


Tim Byrne, General Manager with the Essex Region Conservation Authority was presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal by MP Chris Lewis Friday March 9 2025 in recognition of his more than 35 years of service to our local community, and for ‘Leaving the world a better place than you found it.”


Congratulations to Tim, Rick and Mike on their significant and well deserved recognition for their environmental stewardship in Windsor-Essex!

Gardening with Native Plants

Now that spring is around the corner it is time to think about what you're planting in your garden. Consider native plants!


WWF-Canada has partnered with Loblaws to source native plants for 35 of their Garden Centres across southern Ontario. This initiative supports the Carolinian Canada Coalition In the Zone program to bring native plants to your backyard. Loblaws/Superstore/Zehrs garden centres in Windsor-Essex will carry a variety of locally grown and ethically sourced native plants, including shade and sun-loving species as well as grasses and sedges, all of which grow easily in local conditions. They’ve been carefully selected and grown by the following Ontario native plant growers and will make excellent habitat for pollinators and other wildlife in your garden: Native Plants in Claremont, St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre and Native Trees and Plants nursery in Amherstburg. These plants will be available sometime in May.


For more information about this initiative, visit: https://inthezonegardens.ca/where-to-find-native-plants.

 

Other ways include native plants:

Rain barrels and trees for City of Windsor residents

Windsor homeowners, you can now get a rebate of up to $120 on any rain barrel, regardless of make or model, if it's 35 gallons/132 litres or more! Limit one per property owner — only 500 available!

Windsor homeowners, register now to receive a free tree for planting on your private property. Limited supply — only 200 available! Trees will be ready for pickup on May 17, 2025. 

Learn more and apply here: https://www.citywindsor.ca/eservices/stormwater-financing

Prescribed Burns in the Ojibway Prairie

Mid March, staff from the Ojibway Nature Centre and partners completed three successful prescribed burns across the Ojibway Prairie at Spring Garden Natural Area, Tallgrass Prairie Heritage Park and Ojibway Park.


Prescribed burns are implemented in the oak savannah and tallgrass prairie ecosystems within the City to mimic fires that took place before settlement. The vegetation communities bounce back quickly and the fire reduces invasive/unwanted woody vegetation build up and returns nutrients in the soil.


For more information : www.ojibway.ca/presc_burn.htm

Photo courtesy of the Friends of Ojibway Prairie Facebook page, photo taken by Dax Melmer/The Windsor Star.

Join the Great Cleanup Challenge

Keep your little corner of Essex County clean with Essex County Library and "The Great Cleanup Challenge”!'


Starting Monday, March 31 you can:

Pick up a Great Cleanup Challenge kit at your local Essex County Library branch.

  1. Pick up a Great Cleanup Challenge kit at your local Essex County Library branch.
  2. Each kit includes a tracking sheet, garbage bags and gloves.
  3. Start filling up those bags and check them off your tracking sheet.
  4. Return your tracking sheet to your branch.


OPTIONAL: Take some pics of your clean up crew and hashtag them #eclcleanup.

Annual Gizzard Shad die off

The annual gizzard shad die off in the Detroit River typically takes place in late winter or early spring. If you see a large number of dead gizzard shad in the river, do not be alarmed. This fish is very sensitive to temperature changes in the water and large die offs are a common annual occurrence. This is considered a natural event and there is no need to contact anyone if in fact the species is Gizzard Shad.


More Information

Fact Sheet

CBC Windsor Article

Lacrosse Tribune Article

World Wildlife Fund reports hopeful news about the eastern Monarch butterfly population

In encouraging news, the eastern monarch butterfly population nearly doubled in 2025, according to a new report announced in Mexico. The population wintering in central Mexico's forests occupied 4.42 acres, up from 2.22 acres during the previous winter. While monarchs occupied nearly twice as much forest habitat as last year, populations remain far below the long-term average.

The survey, Forest Area Occupied by Monarch Butterflies Colonies in Mexico During the 2024-2025 Hibernation Season is conducted annually by WWF-Mexico and Mexico's National Commission of Protected Natural Areas in collaboration with local communities, and it serves as an important indicator of the butterfly's overall population health

Learn more

Fun River Fact

The Detroit River is not a river, but rather a strait. A strait is a waterway connecting two larger bodies of water. The Detroit River creates a passage way between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie.

Upcoming Local Events

Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information.

Hope in the Land Expo 2025

April 5 2025, Western Fair District Agriplex, London, ON


On April 5, 2025, come spend your day experiencing storytelling, hands-on workshops, wildlife shows, presentations, native plant sales, exhibitor booths, and MORE at the Western Fair District Agriplex in London, ON. For more information and tickets, click here.


Join a community of people growing and embedding HOPE in the land through the following themes:

  • Heal the Land
  • On the Land Encounters
  • Plants of These Lands
  • Embrace Each Other

National Wildlife Week

April 7 to 13 2025, Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary, 332/360 Road 3 west, Kingsville, ON


April 10th marks the 159th birthday of Jack Miner and 77 years ago, the Canadian Government declared the week of his birth as National Wildlife Week. Join the fun at Jack Miner this year for 7 days of free family friendly events and activities including historical tours, family movie night, birds of prey shows, crafts, learning centre programs, arts market, food and goods vendors and more! More information available here.

Nature Conservancy of Canada with Kirstyn Richardson

April 9 2025, 7pm to 9pm, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON


Join Program Director Kirstyn Richardson to hear an overview of the Nature Conservancy of Canada – who we are, what we do, and our work in Essex County. Highlights include recent restoration projects, new acquisitions, and upcoming projects such as the restoration of the Hillman Sand Hills property near Point Pelee.

Sandwich Litter Cleanup

April 12 2025, 10am to 12pm, Sandwich, Windsor


Join Essex Region Conservation and Detroit River Canadian Cleanup staff as well as community partners and volunteers on Saturday April 12 2025 from 10am to 12pm for a litter cleanup in the Sandwich community of Windsor! Registration is required, as spots are limited due to high interest. 

 

Funding for this stewardship project is provided by Gordie Howe Community Benefits Plan. Thank you to the City of Windsor, the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup and the Windsor Port Authority for your continued partnership for stewardship in the Detroit River watershed! 


Registration and more information available here.

Celebrate ERCA's 7 Millionth Tree!

Thursday April 24 2025, 11am to 12pm, Maidstone Woods Conservation Area


Celebrate this incredible milestone! More information here.

Jane's Walk Festival

April and May 2025, various locations and times


The Windsor-Essex Jane's Walk is back and bigger than ever for 2025, launching our largest schedule to date with three event formats: Jane's Walks (guided walking tours), Jane’s Talks (seated presentations) and Jane’s Talk & Tours (tours of historic buildings).​ Get ready for 55 events in 20+ neighbourhoods! This year’s festival spans two weekends:

 

​​

​Jane’s Walks and Jane's Talks are free to attend and are hosted by volunteers.  Registration is required as capacity is limited. Full details here.

Shorebird Cell Viewing with OFO Opportunities

During the month of May 2025, Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, 1826 Mersea Rd 2, Leamington, ON N8H 3V7, Canada


Join the expert volunteers from the Ontario Field Ornithologists at the Shorebird Viewing Blind to learn more about how to identify shorebirds. Utilize the signage to identify distinct features. Bring your scope, binoculars and a bird ID guide (or apps) for this interesting afternoon of shorebird spotting!


Gate fee is $10 per vehicle payable in the parking lot via HONK mobile parking. A Spring Birding Pass or Seasonal Pass also provide admission.


Self-guided Dark Sky Night

Saturday April 26 2025, 7:30pm to 11:59pm, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, ON


Explore the park after dark and experience the dark skies of Point Pelee National Park. You will have the opportunity to stay late and experience the park at night. Hosted by RASC - please check at the entrance kiosk for the location of programming in the park.

The park is open until midnight, unless otherwise stated. For more information please contact us at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca. More information on Dark Sky Nights


Nature and Garden Show

Saturday May 3 2025, 10am to 4pm. Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre, 103 Park Street, Kingsville, ON


Kingsville Nature and Garden Show, organized by Kingsville's Communities in Bloom (CIB) Committee, takes place at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre, 103 Park Street, on May 3, 2025 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. More information available here.

Annual Detroit River Walleye Classic

Saturday May 3 2025, LaSalle Landing, 970 Front Road, LaSalle, ON


The 16th Annual Detroit River Walleye Classic will take place May 3rd, 2025 at The LaSalle Landing (formerly Gil Maure Park) located at Laurier & Front Road.


Early Bird Registrations begin on February 21st at only $45 until April 1st! After that registration increases to $65 and closes on April 28th. Registrations on the day of the event are $100.


More information available: Detroit River Walleye Classic

Mic Mac Park Community Tree Planting

Saturday May 24 2025, 9am to 12pm, Mic Mac Park, 1125 Prince Road, Windsor, ON


Join ERCA at a community tree planting event in West Windsor! Funding for this initiative has been provided by the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. More information available here.

Save the date! Family Fishing Day on the Detroit River

Saturday July 5 2025, 8am to 12pm, Front Road Park, 1 Laurier Drive, LaSalle, ON


Come join us! The Detroit River Family Fishing Day will be held on Saturday July 5 2025 from 8am to 12pm at Front Road Park. This park is located at 1 Laurier Drive, the intersection of Laurier Driver and Front Road, LaSalle, ON. Parking available at the public lot on Adams Lane. 


This event takes place during Ontario Family Fishing Event week when residents can fish in Ontario waters without the mandatory license. Join expert anglers from Just Fishin' Friends for a fun morning on the river. Fishing equipment will be available for public use for free and there will be displays, giveaways and more!


Participants are encouraged to bring their own rods (if they have them) as we have a limited number available, personal flotation devices for those under the age of 18, folding chairs, a hat, sunscreen/bug spray, reusable water bottle, snacks and plenty of patience while waiting for a bite!


All children must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or legal guardian who will be required to sign a waiver and release form on site for each participating child. 

Save the date! Second Ontario Purple Martin Festival

Saturday July 12 2025, 10am to 4pm, Colchester Schoolhouse Site, 195 Bagot Street, Colchester, ON


Purple Martins are a uniquely people-friendly bird, depending solely on flying insects for their survival. This site has an established colony of both Purple Martins and Chimney Swifts! Join the OPMA in their 25th year at this festival with vendor booths, speakers and presentations, bird banding, learning activities and more!

If you have an upcoming local event that you want The Current readers to know about please send us an email at postmaster@detroitriver.ca

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

The Detroit River and Great Lakes in the news. Here are some links to articles that may pique your interest. Click the link to read on.  

Have Something to Share?

 

We're always looking for fun and dynamic content to include in our monthly newsletters! If you'd like to share a personal story about the Detroit River, promote an upcoming event, or recognize a local environmental hero in our monthly newsletter, please email: postmaster@detroitriver.ca.

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The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup 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 goal is to remove the Detroit River from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern.