Tom Henderson, DRCC PAC Chair, is awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal | |
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Congratulations to Tom Henderson for receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by MP Irek Kusmierczyk at the Canadian Aviation Museum on February 26 2025. The medal is presented to 25 residents who show their patriotism through service above self and neighbour looking out for neighbour.
Tom Henderson has dedicated much of his retired life to continuing his involvement with the DRCC since the late 90s, and continues to serve as Chair of its Public Advisory Council (PAC). Tom’s decades long dedication to protecting, advocating for, restoring and enhancing the Detroit River ecosystem are felt in the Windsor Essex community and the broader Great Lakes watershed. His actions continue to have a lasting influence on individuals, organizations, communities and partners who are involved in the efforts to remove the Detroit River from the list of Areas of Concern under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Ojibway Prairie.
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First PAC Meeting of 2025 | |
Thank you to all organizations, groups, and individuals who attended our first Public Advisory Council (PAC) meeting on February 25 2025! Peter Berry, Harbourmaster with the Windsor Port Authority was our guest speaker. We also heard from Mike Fisher, with The Friends Of Ojibway Prairie sharing updates on the Ojibway National Urban Park. There are many who care about the Detroit River and watersheds. Thank you for showing up and connecting with each other as we restore the River together! If you are interested in joining the PAC, reach out to us at postmaster@detroitriver.ca. | |
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United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate wild animals and plants. Every year, we recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet. The WWD2025 Theme is Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.
Locally, significant investments and commitments from DRCC partners are restoring the Detroit River's habitats and fish and wildlife populations.
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The DRCC received a report in March 2024 from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada highlighting post-construction monitoring results. Results show that submerged aquatic vegetation cover increased from 10% pre-construction to 59.49% in 2021 and 52.0% in 2023 in the calm water area likely due to decreased wave action. Decreased wave action and the establishment of aquatic vegetation are measurable mitigative processes indicating decreased rates of erosion. CBC News: Further erosion of Peche Island prevented, says Detroit River cleanup group | CBC News
In 2021, 34 fish species were captured (4 species at risk), including 19 native species that were not captured in previous surveys. In 2023, 31 fish species were captured (3 species at risk), of which, 3 are native species not previously caught in the 2021 survey or other previous surveys. Fish from all life stages were caught (i.e., juveniles and adults). Overall, the newly constructed sheltering islands have positively affected fish species by improving habitat suitability around Peche Island.
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International Women's Day | |
Women have provided expertise and guidance on how to restore the Detroit River for future generations on all levels of federal, provincial and municipal government. Women have dedicated their careers to understanding the Detroit River ecosystem, it's past, present and future opportunities and sharing that insight to DRCC work groups and the general public. Women as engineers, scientists, educators, communicators, naturalists, researchers, technical experts, biologists, writers, graphic designers, advocates, protesters and more have contributed to a healthier river system - leading by example showing the community what is possible. We see you, we appreciate you and we acknowledge you not only today, but on all days of the year! | |
International Day of Action for Rivers | |
The International Day of Action for Rivers (March 14) is a day dedicated to solidarity – when diverse communities around the world come together with one voice to say that rivers matter. That communities having access to clean and flowing water matters. That everyone should have a say in decisions that affect their water and their lives. That it’s our time to stand up for these rights, now more than ever. The theme of this year’s International Day of Action for Rivers is Our Rivers, our Future. | |
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Detroit River Story Maps - highlighting national and international restoration actions for the Detroit River | |
What does thirty years of cleanup and progress look like along the Detroit River? Explore the DRCC Story Map to see all the habitat, monitoring and research, pollution prevention as well as education and outreach projects that have taken place! | |
The Friends of the Detroit River PAC have launched a story map highlighting the Detroit River's geography, industrial history, and some of the major sediment remediation as well as large habitat projects initiated on the American side. | |
Earth Hour - LIGHTS OUT GAME ON! | |
Earth Hour (March 22, 8pm anywhere in the world, any timezone) is a moment of unity that brings the world together, shines a spotlight on nature loss and the climate crisis, and inspires millions more to act and advocate for urgent change. Each year, people work together to turn a single Earth Hour into thousands and millions of hours of action for our one shared home. | |
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CELEBRATE LOCALLY!
Lights out, game on! We’re turning down the electricity and turning up the energy for Windsor Express - Earth Hour Game.
On Friday, March 21st, the Windsor Express will be recognizing Earth Hour at its game in partnership with YQGgreen. It will be a fun-filled evening of activities, pro basketball, music, and entertainment.
For each ticket sold on the link below $6 will be donated to the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wfcu-centre.com and use ERCA as the promo code.
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Fun River Fact
The Detroit River is home to the only international wildlife refuge in North America. Located along the lower Detroit River and western shoreline of Lake Erie, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is just 20 miles south of Detroit. Its nearly 6,000 acres include 20 scattered “units” of islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals and waterfront lands.
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Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information. | |
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Environment and Climate Change Webinars
Various dates and times, virtual
Environment and Climate Change Canada is hosting a free series of webinars to build capacity on environmental justice and environmental racism to inform the development of a national strategy to assess, prevent, and address environmental racism and to advance environmental justice.
These webinars are for you if you’re:
- doing work to advance environmental justice.
- interested in learning more about environmental justice and environmental racism.
- seeking to contribute to the development of the national strategy.
The webinars incorporate presentations from federal officials and subject matter experts, discussion and sharing opportunities as well as question periods. Each webinar will consist of one session of up to two hours in length at the following times. For more information, click here.
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Wellness Walks - International Women's Day Edition
Saturday March 8 2025, 10:30am to 11:30am, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, ON
📍Meet at the Marsh Boardwalk Parking lot
Join us at Point Pelee National Park on March 8 for a refreshing winter Wellness Walk—a perfect way to celebrate the women in your life and the power of community! This guided experience is all about getting outside, moving your body, and feeling good, no matter the season!
Led by Andrea, a certified Personal Trainer and wellness advocate, this walk will include gentle movement, mindfulness techniques, and practical tips for staying active during winter. Alongside our park guide, you’ll also learn about the unique ways nature adapts and changes in the colder months!
What to Expect:
✔️ Light stretching & a guided warm-up
✔️ A mindful nature walk with seasonal highlights
✔️ Winter wellness tips to boost your mood & energy
Everyone is welcome— come solo, with friends, family, or even your furry companion! This is a space to connect, move, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Registration required.
To register, please contact us at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or call 519-322-2365 ex. 0.
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Seedy Saturday - Essex
Saturday March 8 2025, 10am to 3pm, Essex Retirees Centre, 32 Russell Street, Essex, ON
Join the Essex Horticultural Society and gardeners for Seedy Saturday! There will be Master Gardeners present, seeds to exchange and purchase, plants and presentations. Two dollar admission at the door.
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Maple Syrup Festival - Lumberjack Weekend
March 8 and 9 2025, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
Lumber jacks & jills – get your flannel ready for Lumberjack weekend, with a Moustache contest, Lumber Costume Contest, Axe throwing demonstrations and more! Blacksmithing and woodcarving demonstrations, Pioneer and Modern Maple Making, and so much more. Tickets available here.
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Maple Syrup Festival - Taster's Weekend
March 15 and 16 2025, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
It’s a Tasters’ paradise for all things Maple! Sample baked goods, maple butter, maple sugar and more. Taste various syrups and learn how they make the grade. Butter tart contest, winter hikes, crafters’ market, and the Maple Market featuring innovative delights and trusted favourites. Travel the #MapleTrail to discover special offers along the route. Tickets available here.
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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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Seedy Saturday - Kingsville Horticultural Society
Saturday March 22 2025, 10am to 3pm, UNICO Community Centre, 37 Beech Street, Kingsville, ON
Seedy Saturday offers a family friendly gardening and nature themed event. Activities include seed exchanges, vendors, exhibitors, kids activities and Master Gardner's available for any garden questions. For more information, contact Chris Childs, chris.childs008@gmail.com.
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Self-guided Dark Sky Night
March 22, 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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Save the Date! 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
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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.
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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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Local Earth Day Celebrations
We are looking forward to Earth Month in April! Save the dates for the following local events, more information to come.
- April 26th: Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club Earth Day celebration
- April 26th: Devonshire Mall ACT Recycle event
- April 27th: City of Windsor Earth Day celebration at Malden Park
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April 27th: ERCA Earth Day tree planting
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Annual Detroit River Walleye Classic
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
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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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