The DRCC presents: ALL TOO CLEAR
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Doors will open at 6pm, film begins at 6:30pm and a panel discussion will follow.
ADMISSION IS FREE BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. You do not need to print your ticket, come find our registration table to check in before the film.
If your plans change and you’re unable to attend, please let us know by emailing or calling as soon as possible so that we can offer the tickets to others. THIS IS A SOLD OUT EVENT EVERY YEAR – but, unfortunately, seats go empty because of ‘no shows’. Please be considerate of those on the wait list and cancel your registration!
Please contact Jacqueline Serran, serran@detroitriver.ca, 519-776-5209 ext. 356.
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Panelists
Meet the panelists attending the film screening!
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Michael Thorn is the Lead Management Biologist at the Lake Erie Management Unit of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources | |
Robin DeBruyne is an Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she has worked since 2012. | |
Parking Information
There are a variety of parking lots located within a short walking distance of The Armouries building. Additional parking is available on the street (metered) as available. Please plan to give yourself enough time to find parking, and get to the event safely before it begins.
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All Too Clear uses cutting-edge underwater drones to explore how quadrillions of tiny invasive mussels, known as quaggas, are re-engineering the ecosystem of the Great Lakes at a scale not seen since the glaciers. To capture this epic change, the husband-and-wife filmmaking team of Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert spent more than 150 days filming underwater, making it the most ambitious underwater film ever made about the Great Lakes. Part scientific exploration, part natural history adventure – the film showcases freshwater wildlife and environments like never before. | All too Clear Filmmakers Zach Melnick (left) and Yvonne Drebert (right) on the shore near their Lake Huron home, with their remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named “Kiyi.” Photo taken by Esme Batten. | |
Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative - Call for Applications | |
Join the DRCC PAC in 2025! | |
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The Public Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of like-minded individuals invested in the Detroit River's health and restoration. The PAC provides an opportunity for members to participate in the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) and cleanup efforts. Members meet two to three times a year, and participate in numerous DRCC led events and projects.
All are welcome to join.. There are many individuals as well as organizations and groups who participate actively to move the bar forward with the Detroit River's remediation program.
Groups who are part of the PAC include: Citizens Environment Alliance, Essex County Field Naturalists' Club, Little River Enhancement Group, Canadian Auto Workers, Wildlife Preservation Canada, Canada South Land Trust, Friends of Ojibway Prairie, UNIFOR Local 200 and more!
Please send your expression of interest to postmaster@detroitriver.ca.
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Recent Updates to Extinction Risk Assessments for Canadian Birds | |
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In 2024, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed the status of six bird species, four reoccurring since their last, and two for the first time. One improved in status, while the remainder are unchanged, or reassessed at a higher threat level. This means, that currently, ninety-four bird species are assessed to be at risk of extinction in Canada. In addition, fourteen shorebird species that breed in Canada were considered more at risk of becoming extinct, per the IUCN Red List Update in October 2024.
There are many species of shorebirds that frequent the Detroit River ecosystem. Kildeer was the only bird species reclassified on the IUCN Red List in 2024. In 2023, Kildeer were categorized as "Least Concern" while in 2024, reclassified as "Near Threatened."
These publications provide upsetting news for all of Canada's bird species. There are many things that you can do to support bird conservation locally, including getting involved in any habitat stewardship work, attend talks, workshops, hikes, bird counts and events with the Essex County Field Naturalists' Club and supprt organizations dedicated to protecting natural heritage.
Birds Canada is Canada's national organization dedicated to bird conservation. There are many programs such as Project Feederwatch that you can participate in to engage in conservation efforts. Visit Birds Canada's website to learn more.
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2024 Great Lakes Poll Shows Consistent Support for Protection, Concerns About Water Quality Challenges | |
Written by Allison Voglesong Zejnati, public affairs specialist at the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Regional Office in Windsor, Ontario. | |
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A new regional poll shows that a growing majority of participants share common beliefs about the value of protecting the Great Lakes. They also recognize the essential role of ecosystem health and water quality in supporting the region’s economy and quality of life. This is the fourth regional poll conducted for the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board.
The Great Lakes Regional Poll is the only international public opinion poll on Great Lakes water quality topics.
The board’s telephone poll is a random, representative sample of more than 4,500 Canadians and Americans. More than 10 percent of respondents identify as Indigenous with First Nations, Métis or Tribal affiliations.
“We are not surprised that our 2024 poll results show those large majorities are going up. Support for Great Lakes protection was high in 2015 and is even higher 10 years later. And the Great Lakes truly unite us across our differences: There are surprisingly few areas where opinions diverge depending on age, income, and political or ethnic identity.”
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Landowner and Agricultural Stewardship | |
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Clean Water - Green Spaces
In an effort to ‘share in the responsibility’ of a clean and healthy environment, ERCA has a comprehensive Clean Water – Green Spaces program aimed at improving regional water quality and enhancing natural areas and biodiversity.Grants of up to 90% of project costs are available to qualifying landowners to implement projects which will help improve local water quality, reduce soil erosion, and increase natural areas cover. More details are available on ERCA's website via the Agricultural Stewardship and Grants page.
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Order Trees
If you are interested in planting your property with trees, then ERCA's Large Stock or Seedling Program may be for you. The Essex Region Conservation Authority offers bare root deciduous trees (hardwoods), evergreens, and potted native shrubs and various seedlings to residents of the Windsor/Essex region. More details and program requirements are available on ERCA's website via the Tree Ordering page.
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Growing Together: An Evening of Knowledge Sharing | |
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Essex Region Conservation and Healthy Headwaters Lab invites you to the GROWING TOGETHER event on January 29 2025, 4pm to 7pm at the Essex Arena, Shaheen Community Room, 60 Fairview Avenue west in Essex.
We’ll be sharing updates on local research, monitoring and funding programs and we want to hear from you on key topics including how to shape our future programs to be even better to serve our agricultural community. This meeting will be structured in a way that will allow for information exchange so please come ready to participate!
Program contact: stewardship@erca.og
Some items for discussion will include:
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- Your experience with ERCA’s grant programs
- Your motivations and barriers to adopting best management practices
- Events that we can plan that will be beneficial to you or that you have liked in the past
- New innovative ideas to reduce nutrients and improve water quality
- Ideas for directing local research
Most importantly, we want to hear your stories - successes and failures - so we can build a narrative together that is reflective of sustainable farming in Essex County!
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Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information. | |
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Self-guided Dark Sky Night
January 4, 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. The park is open until midnight, unless otherwise stated. For more information please contact us at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca.
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Drawn to Nature: Wildlife Sketching Workshop
January 17 and February 14, 2025, 1pm to 2pm, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, ON
Join us for an all-ages observation drawing workshop, using the Visitor Centre’s extensive collection of display birds, snakes, and mammals as our models!
Whether you’ve never picked up a pencil before or are a seasoned sketcher, this will be an opportunity for you to develop your skills of observing and drawing the natural world… all without leaving the cozy warmth of the Visitor Centre!
Registration required. To register, please contact us at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or call 519-322-2365 ext. 0.
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Grass Carp Information Session
January 28, 2025, 6pm, Windsor Sportsmen's Club, 2401 Dougall Avenue, Windsor, ON
Do you have questions about Grass Carp? Are you concerned about how they could impact the Great Lakes if they were to establish? Or, do you just want to learn more about them?
If so, then join us for an information session in Windsor, Ontario! Booths, presentations, Q&A period, and food/drink included. Registration is free.
Enter for a chance to win the door prize - a YETI M12 Backpack Soft Cooler valued at $380. Register here.
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Shiver on the River
February 1, 2025, 9am to 4pm, Belle Isle State Park,100 The Strand, Detroit, MI, 48207United States
Join us for another year of Shiver on the River Eco Fair on Saturday, February 1, 2025! With activities from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Belle Isle!
There will be free caricature drawings, a magic show, ice carvings, winter birding and more! This event is free and open to all ages!
Concessions will be available for a cash fee. The typical daily fee to visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum will be waived.
Thanks to our partners at the Belle Isle Nature CenterJoin us for Sensory Strolls at Point Pelee National Park, designed for babies (0 - 12 months) and their parents! In this winter program, we’ll embark on gentle, stroller-friendly walks along the trails, exploring nature through all our senses. Experience the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the park in a relaxed environment, perfect for fostering connection with your little one and the outdoors. Dress for the weather.
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Baby sensory strolls
February 4, 2025, 10am to 10:30am, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, ON
Join us for Sensory Strolls at Point Pelee National Park, designed for babies (0 - 12 months) and their parents! In this winter program, we’ll embark on gentle, stroller-friendly walks along the trails, exploring nature through all our senses. Experience the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the park in a relaxed environment, perfect for fostering connection with your little one and the outdoors. Dress for the weather.
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Advancing Community Action - 2025 Invasive Species Forum
February 18 to 20 2025, virtual
The virtual Invasive Species Forum is a free annual event that brings attention to invasive species issues, research, and advances in prevention and management occurring across Canada, and in neighbouring U.S. States.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Invasive Species Forum. Follow the link for more details on how to register.
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Living Landscapes - a southwest symposium
February 22 2025, 9:30am to 3:30pm, Wheatley Baptist Church, 47 Talbot Road East, Wheatley, ON
Check out the symposium hosted by the Wheatley Horticultural Society! Attendees will hear from four great speakers, with choices on sessions to attend. Spend the day discussing gardens, spring planning and more! Tickets, registration and more information here.
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DRCC Public Advisory Council Meeting
February 24 2025, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre, Main Gallery, 3277 Sandwich Sreet, Windsor, ON
Receive updates on local Detroit River Area of Concern efforts, learn what members of the PAC are up to and hear from our GUEST SPEAKER Peter Berry, Harbor Master from the Windsor Port Authority. All are welcome, supper is provided. Please RSVP to postmaster@detroitriver.ca and let us know if you're coming in person, or virtually.
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How to Crew Orientation
March 20 2025, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, virtually through Microsoft Teams
Ready to make an environmental difference in your community? The Essex Region Conservation Authority is looking for volunteers to help support community restoration events, and recruitment for the 2025 tree planting season.
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How To Crew members participate in ERCA’s restoration projects as the team that supports community tree planting events. Members will be trained with the skills needed to provide tree planting demonstrations, monitor planting quality to ensure long term growth and survival and manage all equipment on site during events. At this volunteer session you will also learn more about the How To Crews roles and responsibilities at our annual Earth Day Community Tree Planting event held in Windsor, ON on April 27 2025.
Registration and more information available here.
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Save the Date! 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.
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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. | | |
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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. |
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