This month the DRCC welcomes back Remedial Action Plan Coordinator Jacqueline Serran. The team is excited to have her back at the helm of the DRCC.

With her return, the DRCC is saying goodbye to Sarah Lanoue, who has been the Acting Remedial Action Plan Coordinator for the last 6 months. She wants to thank the DRCC community for making her tenure as the coordinator such a great experience and looks forward to seeing DRCCs progress towards delisting. 

Dive into the captivating world of environmental exploration with a compelling Canadian documentary series. Join the dynamic duo, brothers Alex and Tyler Mifflin, as they embark on a global journey to unravel the complexities of water-related issues. From tackling pollution and advocating for clean water accessibility to addressing the profound impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, this series offers an eye-opening exploration of the challenges our planet faces.

Season 5, the most current season, covers stories about the importance of Great Lakes wetlands in relationship to water, the “Great Plastic Lakes”, Forever Chemicals, the importance of our soils, and the World’s Oldest Water and its importance of our groundwater. Many experts in each episode are familiar to us as partners and collaborators in our efforts to protect and conserve the waters of the Great Lakes, including some Environment and Climate Change Canada scientists.

Have you ever caught a tagged fish while fishing on the Detroit River? Researchers from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are asking that you fill out a form when you catch a tagged fish to help them track the fish's movement, population size, mortality rates, growth, and habitat use.

A fish tag is a marking or device that helps biologists and researchers identify an individual fish or groups of fish. Fish tags can be located either:

• on the outside of the fish (known as external tags)
• inside the body of the fish (known as internal tags)

To help them with their research, you can report a tagged fish you have caught. When you report a fish tag, they will ask you to provide the following information:



• when and where you caught the tagged fish
• the fish’s unique tag identification number
• whether you harvested (kept) or released the fish

This important information allows our biologists and researchers to better understand our fish populations and develop science-based policy, fishing regulations and conservation initiatives.

Do you have tree planting on your New Year's resolution list?

Essex Region Conservation is recruiting new members of the HOW TO CREW to take a leadership role next year at community tree planting events. The HOW TO CREW plays a very important role by supporting planting plans and oversee quality control of the trees being planted during community events. This role helps to ensure long term growth and survival of the native trees and shrubs. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Laura Neufeld, Community Outreach Coordinator, lneufeld@erca.org for more information. 

Taking place in March, ERCA staff will be hosting a workshop to provide training on the importance of habitat restoration in Windsor-Essex, the How To Crew's roles and responsibilities are at our upcoming Earth Day tree planting event, how to properly plant a potted native tree and more!

View the Detroit River in a different light this December

The weather is getting colder, and the holiday season is fast approaching but that doesn't mean you can’t get outside and enjoy the Detroit River. In fact, the winter season may be one of the best times to get outside, as many towns along the river put up their Holiday light displays. Here at the DRCC we want to encourage everyone to get outside this winter and to help we have compiled a list of the best places to view Holiday lights in Windsor-Essex.

National Bird Day: January 5

The diverse landscapes in Canada support a great abundance and variety of birds. The Detroit River is home to many different types of birds and is actually located at the intersection of the Atlantic and the Mississippi flyways.

Birders are out in Windsor-Essex participating in the Christmas Bird Count. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running bird database and is used to monitor the status of resident and migratory bird populations across North America.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Dark Sky Nights at Point Pelee National Park

December 16, Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON

Explore the park after dark and get a chance to view stars in a way you haven't seen before. The park will be open until midnight on November 18 for you to get a chance to view the skies at Windsor-Essex's only dark sky preserve. Visitors can pick up a seasonal star chart upon arrival. For more information please contact Point Pelee National Park at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or check out the event website here.

Tree Planting and Tree Care Workshop

January 16, 2024, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Harrow, ON

This informative workshop will guide us through Essex Region Conservation Authority’s (ERCA) various tree planting and restoration programs, highlighting the great work that the residents of Essex County are doing to improve the natural areas of our region. Information will be provided on how you can get involved to help enhance and protect one of our regions greatest natural assets; our TREES! Spaces are limited so book your free ticket now.

ERCA's Annual General Meeting and Conservation Awards

January 18, 2024, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, Ontario

Join ERCA as they celebrate the accomplishments of 2023 and announce this year’s Conservation Award Winners. More information.

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