Degradation of phytoplankton and zooplankton beneficial use no longer impaired!
In late September 2021, the DRCC received word from the federal and provincial governments that the status of the Degradation of Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Populations beneficial use was changed from requires further assessment to not impaired for the Canadian side of the Detroit River!

Phytoplankton and zooplankton populations make up the
base of the aquatic food web and are an important food source. Insufficient data on the phytoplankton and zooplankton populations in the Detroit River led to additional studies including a comprehensive study in 2019 by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Study results indicate that phytoplankton and zooplankton populations are naturally low in the river due to expected river conditions, not human activities.

Based on the research findings of all studies, there is no evidence of impairment to the plankton populations in the Detroit River and a “not impaired” status resulted.
Of the 13 beneficial uses that were originally classified as impaired or requires further assessment for the Canadian side of the Detroit River, only four remain. We can't thank our partners enough for helping with this BUI status change and look forward to addressing the remaining impairments.
Current status of beneficial uses for the Detroit River
State of the Strait Conference - Postponed
The 2021 State of the Strait Conference on Contaminated Sediment Remediation has been postponed. Because the current pandemic conditions prevent many individuals from attending the conference on December 2 of this year, the in-person event has been rescheduled for May 11, 2022.

A short introductory webinar will be held from from 09:00-10:00 AM eastern on December 2nd 2021 to preview the conference agenda, acknowledge each of our sponsors, and begin conversations leading up to the event. If you have previously registered for the event, your previous registration will remain in the system, so you do not need to register again. If you wish to withdraw your registration for May 11, please email cgodwin@umich.edu. 
Great Lakes Nearshore Webinar Series
The “nearshore waters” of the Great Lakes are where the land meets the water. They are the ecological link between the watersheds and the water and is where most people interact directly with our Great Lakes. However, nuisance and harmful algae, harmful chemicals, bacterial contamination of beaches and impediments to coastal processes are impacting water quality and ecosystem health in the nearshore.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has conducted the first cumulative assessment of the Canadian nearshore waters and are excited to share the findings with the Great Lakes community through an evening webinar series focused on the following themes:
  • Session 1 - November 23, 2021: Out of sight, but not out of mind - Contaminants in Water, Sediment, and Fish. Register
  • Session 2 - December 2, 2021: 8,500 km of Great Lakes shoreline: Coastal Processes. Register.
  • Session 3 - December 7, 2021: With Great Lakes, comes Great Responsibility: Areas of High Ecological Value. Register.
  • Session 4 – January 13, 2022: Nutrients, too much of a good thing - Nuisance & Harmful Algae. Register.


At each event, a panel of invited guest speakers will also discuss threats to the Great Lakes nearshore and showcase a few projects, tools, and approaches which may help address these threats. As such, we welcome a wide audience to attend the webinar series including interested members of the public, individuals working in the field, and participants from communities, governments or other organizations that have an interest in the nearshore health of the Great Lakes on both sides of the border. Everyone is welcome!

The event series will be held virtually via Zoom. Participants are invited to attend any or all sessions, according to your individual interest. Registration links are included above.
Days Worth Mentioning
World Toilet Day - Nov 19
Have you ever wondered what happens to water and other substances when they are flushed down our drains and toilets? It shouldn't be a mystery, and the City of Windsor and the DRCC partnered to create a wastewater video to help de-mystify the topic, and educate viewers.
Fishing on the Detroit Riverfront May 25, 2013
World Fisheries Day - November 21
World Fisheries Day is dedicated to highlighting the critical importance of healthy ecosystems and to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries in the world. The Detroit River has one of the most vibrant and diverse fisheries in the Great Lakes!
Upcoming Local Events
Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information. 
Self-guided Dark Sky Night
Saturday, November 6, 2021, evening, Point Pelee National Park, Leamington ON

Explore the park on your own after dark and experience the dark skies of Point Pelee. You will have the opportunity to stay late and see what goes on after dark. Note that there are no formal programs on these evenings. Visitors can pick up a seasonal star chart at the gate upon arrival. The park is open until midnight, unless otherwise stated. For more information contact: pc.pelee.info.pc@canada.ca.
2021 Binational Lake St. Clair Conference
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 9 am to 12 pm, Virtual via Zoom

The Lake St. Clair conference, held every two years, provides a binational forum to exchange information on Lake St. Clair’s changing environment and the actions and tools needed to manage these changes. The conference is intended for resource managers, local officials, elected representatives, First Nations, business and industry representatives, local residents and others with an interest in the restoration and protection of the Lake St. Clair ecosystem. Event is free, but registration is required. Register here.
Handmade for the Holidays – Woven Ornament Workshop
Saturday, November 6, 2021 or Sunday, November 21, 2021, 10 am to 12 pm or 2 pm to 4 pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 County Rd. 50, Essex, ON

Join the staff of the John R. Park Homestead and learn to make two hand-woven ornaments: a reindeer and a heart. You will learn to work with flat reed for the reindeer and cardstock for the heart. These handmade treasures add sentimental value as gifts on their own or as holiday toppers! Whether you choose to gift them or decorate with them, we are sure you’ll enjoy the holiday themed weaving experience. There are two sessions for this event: 10:00am-12pm, or 2:00pm-4:00pm. Cost: $25 per person; includes instruction and materials. More information.
Tree Planting at the Solcz Family Foundation Forest
Various dates and times from November 12, 13 and 14, Solcz Family Foundation Forest, south east Leamington, ON

Residents across Windsor-Essex are invited to participate in the Solcz Family Forest Planting week taking place in November 2021. During this week, students, families, organizations and the public will come together to plant native trees and shrubs at a 32 acre restoration site. This stewardship will increase tree cover, habitat for wildlife and improve the water quality of Lake Erie. It’s also a great way to take climate action! Attendees will plant alongside knowledgeable ERCA staff as well as skilled and trained members of the How To Crew who provide quality planting and control measures at community projects like this. Thank you for making an impact in improving our local environment! Covid 19 safety measures will be in effect. More information and register.
Dieppe Gardens War/Veterans Monument Walking Tour
Saturday, November 13, 2021, 2 pm to 4 pm, Dieppe Gardens, 78 Riverside Dr W, Windsor, ON N9A 0A3

Join Museum Windsor to explore Dieppe Gardens and its war/veteran monuments. Learn about Windsor’s military contributions for multiple wars and the stories behind the monuments and remember those who served. Cost: $5.50 per person, advance registration required. Visit www.museumwindsor.ca for more information or call 519-253-1812.
Deck the Holidays – Wreath Making Workshop
Saturday, November 27, 2021 or Sunday, November 28, 2021, 2 pm to 4 pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 County Rd. 50, Essex, ON

Ring in the holiday season with a hands-on wreath making workshop using natural materials from the forest and farm. Registration fee includes all materials, expert instruction, and a hot beverage. Please bring work clothes, gloves and hand pruners. Pre-registration for this event is required. COVID safety protocols will be in place. More information.
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.  
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.