Do you have a passion for bringing partners together toward progress on the ecological restoration of the Detroit River? We are currently seeking a Detroit River Remedial Action Plan Coordinator for a ~14 month contract! Applications are due at 4pm on March 4.
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Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Turns 50 Next Month! |
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On April 15th 2022, the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) will celebrate it's 50th anniversary! |
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Photo: President Richard Nixon and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau
signing the GLWQA, April 15, 1972.
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1972 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
On April 15, 1972, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and President Richard Nixon signed the Canada-US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) in recognition of the urgent need to improve environmental conditions in the Great Lakes. This agreement committed both countries to restore and enhance water quality in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
1978 Revised Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
The 1978 GLWQA included a new purpose statement, "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem." The ecosystem approach concept recognized the interconnectedness of all components of the environment and the need for an integrated perspective in addressing human health and environmental quality issues.
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The GLWQA was amended again by protocol in 1987. New concepts of ecosystem-based management were incorporated including the development and adoption of ecosystem objectives for the lakes.
The Protocol also included two new annexes focusing on provisions to develop and implement Remedial Action Plans (RAP) to restore impaired water uses for significantly degrades areas around the Great Lakes (known as Areas of Concern, like the Detroit River) and Lakewide Management Plans (LaMP) to address whole lake contamination by persistent toxic substances.
Several other new annexes were also introduced, further broadening the scope of the Agreement: non-point contaminant sources; contaminated sediment; airborne toxic substances; contaminated groundwater; and associated research and development.
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Call for Artists: Detroit River Coalition Hosts Community Exhibition Celebrating Earth Day |
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The Detroit River Coalition invites artists in the US and Canada to participate in an Earth Day Exhibition at the Belle Isle Aquarium, scheduled for April 2022. Each artist selected will be highlighted on Detroit River Coalition website and social media accounts and will receive invitation(s) to attend the Earth Day opening reception on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the Belle Isle Aquarium. Art will be on exhibition April 21 – 24, 2022.
Themes
Climate Change, Climate Justice, Earth Day, Environmental Conservation, Stewardship, Intersectional Environmentalism, Marine Debris, Single Use Plastic, Ocean Conservation, Great Lakes, Detroit River.
How to submit your work
Please submit a digital version of your work (2-D, 3-D or written or performing art) and your artist’s statement (one page maximum) via the ‘Call for Artists’ form on Detroit River Coalition website. The deadline to submit is 11:59pm on Friday, March 4, 2022.
Please email Genevieve Rattray Nowak at nowakg@belleisleconservancy.org with any questions. Please have the subject line of your email read: Call for Artists.
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Celebrate World Wildlife Day (March 3) with Detroit River Ducks! |
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"The lower Detroit River is a unique urban refugium where the tapestry of life has been woven with elegance, where the music of life has been rehearsed to perfection for thousands of years, where nature’s colors are most vibrant and engaging, where time is measured in seasons, and where the canvasback race across the water takes center stage."
Dr. John Hartig contributed a compelling article to Great Lakes Now describing the amazing site of overwintering ducks that congregate on the Detroit River.
"Everyone should witness this winter thrill of a flock of canvasbacks running across the water to take wind. I hope you get a chance to meet these legendary birds up close and personal."
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Sneak Peek at Earth Month |
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Join the Detroit River Coalition and members in celebration of Earth Day this year! There will be many events and stewardship activities you can participate in along the Detroit River for the entire month of April. Save the date and keep an eye out for registration details on the DRCC website, through social media and in next month's newsletter! |
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Detroit River Cleanups
April 9 2022, 10am to 12pm, McKee Park in Sandwich and Teedie Park in east Windsor
Detroit River Coalition Hosts Community Exhibition Celebrating Earth Day at the Belle Isle Aquarium
April 21 2022
Earth Day Community Tree Planting
April 24 2022, 10am to 2pm, green space between Wyandotte Street east and Florence Avenue
Brock Park Community Tree Planting
April 30 2022, 9am to 11am, Brock Park, Sandwich, Windsor
College Avenue Bikeway Community Tree Planting
April 30 2022, 1pm to 3pm, College Avenue Bikeway, Sandwich, Windsor
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Wonders of Winter - Environmental Art Contest |
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The Windsor Assembly Plant Unifor Local 444 Stellantis Joint Environment Committee is pleased to present the Wonders of Winter: Environmental Art contest!
This art contest is open to all Stellantis employees and their friends and families. All art media will be accepted including photography, painted work, sketches, sculptures as well as cooking/baking with locally grown food. Bonus credits will be given for local context.
- Children under the age of 14 will receive a secret mission envelope.
- Teens in secondary school will receive 4 community hours per artwork submission.
- Adults will be entered into a draw for door prizes.
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International Day of Action for Rivers - March 14 |
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World Water Day - March 22 |
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The International Day of Action for Rivers is a day dedicated to solidarity - when diverse communities around the world come together with one voice to say our rivers matter. |
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World Water Day, held on March 22 every year, celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. This year's theme is Groundwater - making the invisible visible.
Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere. Out of sight, under our feet, groundwater is a hidden treasure that enriches our lives.
Almost all of the liquid freshwater in the world is groundwater.
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Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information. |
Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program - Windsor/Essex Volunteer Orientation
Thursday March 10 2022, 6pm to 7pm, Zoom
Adopt a wetland route in Windsor-Essex County this spring! Birds Canada in partnership with the City of Windsor and the Essex Region Conservation Authority, are looking for wetland enthusiasts willing to adopt a local marsh and spend about 10 hours per year as a volunteer surveyor of aquatic birds and amphibians. The MMP offers everyone – from amateur naturalists to professional biologists – a unique and rewarding opportunity to help learn about and conserve Great Lakes amphibians and marsh birds, and their threatened habitats.
On Thursday March 10 2022 from 6pm to 7pm, meet Jennifer and Gina, the Regional Coordinators for the program, seasoned surveyors and new volunteers for the season! At this session you will also be able to sign up for your route. Registration is required. More info: https://marshmonitor2022.eventbrite.ca
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Maple Syrup Days
Saturday March 19 and Sunday March 20 2022, 11am to 3pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Road 50, Essex, ON
Wear your boots to Essex County’s premier maple syrup celebration at the John R. Park Homestead. See syrup being made the pioneer way. Enjoy a guided tour of the pioneer maple making process, hands-on activities and more! Sample pure maple sugar and visit the Maple Market to find pure maple products to enjoy at home.
On March 19 and 20 2022, tours will run every ½ hour beginning at 11am. Last tour begins at 3:30pm. Please pick your shift when registering for the total number of people coming.
Family tickets, $30 (up to five people), individual adult, $8, kids (16 and under)/seniors (65+), $6. Advanced tickets required. Please, no dogs. Parking available in the Homestead’s main lot and the overflow lot, just north on Iler Road.
COVID-19 protocols will be in place including wearing masks, social distancing, handwashing and sanitization, self-assessments, and limited registration. Note: modifications to the event or cancellation may occur due to COVID-19.
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How To Crew Orientation
Thursday March 22 2022, 6pm to 8pm, Zoom
ERCA will be hosting a virtual How To Crew orientation on WORLD WATER DAY – Tuesday March 22 2022. How To Crew members support the Communication and Outreach Services department through fulfilling various tasks related to community habitat restoration.
This virtual training workshop includes training on the importance of habitat restoration in Windsor-Essex, what a How To Crew’s roles and responsibilities are, how to properly plant a potted native tree and gain insight into ERCA’s spring community restoration projects.
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Youth Environmental Action Round Table
Thursday March 31 2022, 6pm to 8pm, Zoom
ERCA will host a virtual Youth Environmental Action Round Table event on Thursday March 31 2022 from 6pm to 7:30pm via Zoom. This round table will provide an opportunity for youth acting for the environment across Windsor/Essex to participate in this forum to exchange ideas, network, inspire one another, share experiences and propose a fall in person stewardship opportunity to work towards.
The target audience for this round table includes youth below 30 representing grade school and high school Eco Teams, action oriented environmental groups, environmentally focused groups representing the University of Windsor, St. Clair College or others and youth individuals from Windsor-Essex.
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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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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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