Government of Canada invests $76 million to support 50 partner-led projects as part of the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative | |
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The Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative combines science and action to address environmental challenges affecting Great Lakes’ water quality and ecosystem health by supporting local projects. Through the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health (2021–2026), the governments of Canada and Ontario support delivery of the commitments in the Canada–US Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
Following Canada’s announcement in 2023 of $420 million over 10 years in new resources for the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, this funding will support accelerated action under the Canada Water Agency-led Freshwater Action Plan to restore and protect the Great Lakes. The recent round of allocated funding in 2024–2025 will support 50 projects over the next 4 years.
Local funds from this historic investment will go towards the continuation of the DRCC work and RAP governance, finger dyke repair at River Canard to protect existing and significant wetland habitat, recreation of six hectares of wetland at Fighting Island, implementation of best management practices, monitoring, research and outreach focusing on nutrient reduction in to Lake Erie with multiple organizations and agencies, marsh restoration and climate adaptation measures at Hillman Marsh as well as supporting citizen science water quality data collection.
These investments recognize the importance of restoring critical habitat in the Detroit River Area of Concern, protect the health of Lake Erie's freshwater ecosystems long into the future as well as achieve goals through collaboration of partners and Indigenous leadership!
| Detroit River Habitat Site Boat Tour | |
On September 25th, the DRCC and partners spent an unforgettable day on the Detroit River to learn about the successful Peche Island fish habitat and erosion project and to see potential habitat sites on the river!
Thank you to RAW Watersports for the cruise!
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Canoe Cleanup in River Canard | |
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Thank you to all volunteers who participated in the ADM & Friends litter cleanup in the River Canard on Saturday September 21!
Together, we removed more than 140lbs of litter.
We are incredibly grateful to ADM Cares (ADM Agri-Industries) for sponsoring this cleanup and opportunity to come together for a stewardship event.
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Local research focuses on the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake | |
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Wildlife Preservation Canada's Lead Biologist for the Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery (OPRREC) Program, Jonathan Choquette, along with Dr, Jacqueline Litzgus and Dr. Trevor Pitcher, published a paper focusing on the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
In this paper the team estimated the distribution (occupancy) and detection probability of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes at Ojibway Prairie, in preparation for conservation translocations. During a 6-yr period team members conducted more than 1,740 repeated standardized surveys at 40 plots by using two methods, across three seasons, and with different types of search effort.
The study will inform best practices for monitoring the success of conservation translocations in this population!
Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery Program
The Ojibway Prairie Complex and Greater Park Ecosystem (OPCGPE) in Ontario’s Windsor-LaSalle region is home to several reptile species threatened by urban development, habitat fragmentation and road mortality, including eastern foxsnakes, Butler’s gartersnakes, and a critically endangered population of massasauga rattlesnakes. The Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery Team (OPRREC) works to protect and monitor these species.
| Photo: Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, taken from the Wildlife Preservation Canada Facebook page. | |
Registration open for State of the Strait Conference | |
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The State of the Strait is a binational (Canada-United States) collaboration that hosts a meeting every two years to bring together government managers, researchers, students, environmental and conservation organizations, and concerned citizens. Participants work to understand historical ecosystem conditions and assess current ecosystem status in order to achieve a better future for the Detroit River and western Lake Erie.
For more information, please contact John Hartig (jhhartig@uwindsor.ca), Lori Newton, Bike Windsor Essex (lori.newton@me.com), or Todd Scott, Detroit Greenways Coalition (todd@detroitgreenways.org), Conference Co-Chairs.
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Detroit River Community Forums | |
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The Detroit River Public Advisory Council is hosting Community Forums for the public to learn more about the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC), past AOC projects, and gather input on what future habitat restoration projects should look like. The Community Forums provide opportunities to openly share community needs, visions, and help collaborate with the public in future restoration efforts.
Wednesday October 16 2024, 6:30pm to 7:30pm at the Rouge Civic Centre (10600 west Jefferson, River Rouge, Michigan 48218)
Thursday October 24 2024, 6:30pm to 7:30pm at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (5437 west Jefferson, Trenton, Michigan 48183)
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Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information. | |
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Nature in your Backyard
October 5, 26, November 2, 16, 30, December 7, 21, 10am - 12pm, Optimist Community Centre, 1075 Ypres Avenue, Windsor, ON
Family program at Optimist Community Centre with a hike, story time and craft.
Register at www.ActiveWindsor.ca or 519-255-1161
Email ojibway@citywindsor.ca or call 519-966-5852 for more information.
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DRCC Public Advisory Council Meeting
October 16 2024, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Budimir Public Library, 1310 Grand Marais Road west, Windsor, ON
Receive updates on local Detroit River Area of Concern work, hear from members of the PAC, and learn more about the Remedial Action Plan. Pizza provided for anyone attending in person, virtual call in information available also. Please send your RSVP to postmaster@detroitriver.ca.
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Ojibway Parkway walking trail community planting
October 19 2024, 10am to 12pm, Ojibway Parkway walking trail, Windsor, ON
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is pleased to share an upcoming community stewardship event taking place in Sandwich, Windsor! Funding for this event has been provided by the Gordie Howe Community Benefits Plan. Registration is required and limited to 30 participants.
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This project focuses on increasing the urban tree canopy and biodiversity. In total, there are 50 native trees being planted along the walking trail of the Ojibway Parkway. The trees are large potted hardwoods, and holes will be excavated in advance to help with breaking the ground.
More information: Ojibway Parkway Community Tree Planting
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Art at the oTENTiks
October 19/20, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington,ON
Take a walk through the Camp Henry oTENTik village and visit local artisans at work. Entrance to show included with park admission and parking is available at West Beach and the Visitor Centre. This is a cash only event. For more information click here.
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The Friends of Ojibway Prairie and Ojibway Nature Centre with Ojibway on the Go!
Saturdays, various locations and times within the City of Windsor
Date: October 19 11am-noon - Underground Wonders at Budimir Library
Date: November 23 10-11am - Ojibway Legends at Central Library
Date: December 14 10-11am - Creatures of the Night at Chisholm Library
No registration is required.
Contact Jodie at 519-255-6770, Windsor Public Library for more information.
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Where the Wild Things Go: Jane's Walk
October 25, 5:30 pm to 6:30pm, Ojibway Nature Centre, Spring Garden Titcombe Parking Lot, 5249 Elgin Street, Windsor, ON
Autumn is a time of great changes in our Carolinian Forests for plants and animals alike. Take a short hike with us through the trails of the Spring Garden trails where we will explore how the different critters and plants ready themselves for the winter ahead. Walk will happen rain or shine. The trails will likely be a bit muddy so please dress appropriately. This event is part of the Spooky Jane's Walk, a special mini-fundraiser taking place in October to help fundraise for the 2025 Windsor-Essex Jane's Walk Festival. More information and tickets here.
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YQG Green Expo
Saturday October 26 2024, 9am to 4pm, WFCU Centre, 8787 McHugh Street, Windsor, ON
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Join the YQG Green community at the second annual fall YQG Green expo, free to the public.
There will be an indoor trade show with up to 75 booths showcasing local sustainable businesses and organizations.
A drop off and drive through outdoor expo display will be set up in the parking lot.
There will also be a career zone!
For more information visit www.yqggreen.ca.
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Creatures of the Night
October 29, 7pm to 8:30pm, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON
Learn about the creatures of the night and go for an after dark hike to listen for owls.
Register at www.ActiveWindsor.ca or 519-255-1161
Email ojibway@citywindsor.ca or call 519-966-5852 for more information.
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TD Tree Days - Chrysler Canada Greenway Community Planting
November 2 2024, 10am – 12pm, Chrysler Canada Greenway, Ferris Road gate entrance (2080 Ferriss Road, Harrow, ON)
TD Tree Days events are hosted by local not-for-profits, municipalities, and Indigenous groups that specialize in environmental stewardship. They provide the planting stock and prepare the site.
Volunteers will help plant native trees along a section of the Chrysler Canada Greenway as part of this community program. For more information and to register click here.
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Caldwell First Nation Community Gathering
November 3 2024, 10am to 3pm, 217 Mersea Road 19, Leamington, ON
Join Caldwell First Nation at their fall community gathering! Over the last few years, this property has transformed from farming fields to a multihabitat restoration site! The community gathering will bring people together to learn about this work, offer tours of the site, collect prairie seed and share space in celebration of these efforts.
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ADM and Friends - Chrysler Canada Greenway Community Planting
November 9 2024, 9am – 12pm, Chrysler Canada Greenway, Schwab Farms Community Entrance (1156 Arner Townline, Kingsville, ON)
The Essex Region Conservation Authority is pleased to share an upcoming community tree planting event taking place in Kingsville, Ontario. Funding for this event has been provided by ADM Agri-Industries. The event will take place on the Chrysler Canada Greenway just east of the Schwab Farms Community Entrance. Parking is available.
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All holes will be excavated in advance to help with breaking the ground. Event will take place rain or shine, and will be delayed because of severe weather only. Volunteers need to be prepared for physical activity including digging, lifting, and planting, mulching, and placing tree guards. For more information and to register click here. | |
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Super Santa 5K Walk/Run/Wheel 2024
November 16 2024, 5pm, Navy Yard Park, Amherstburg, ON)
The Super Santa Walk/Run and all of the jolly fun is back as part of your annual holiday traditions! Walk or run a 5k race dressed like Santa and the suit is yours to keep. The Super Santa Walk/ Run/Wheel supports conservation projects in the Essex Region.
All participants will receive a full Santa Suit - jacket, pants, hat, beard and belt. Remember to keep your Santa Suit for the following years, to receive an entry fee discount. If you have a suit from previous years, enter promo code SUITEDUP to receive $7 off. For more information and to register click here.
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Essex County Field Naturalists' Club Annual Dinner and 40th Anniversary
November 16 2024, 5pm, St. Mary's Hall, 12016 Talbot Road, Maidstone, ON
Don’t miss your chance to see Adam Shoalts right here in Essex County! Dubbed the ‘Canadian Indiana Jones’, Adam Shoalts joins us for an exciting night of adventure, November 16th for our annual dinner. Included is a cash bar, silent auction and friendship!
Adam Shoalts is the Westaway Explorer-in-residence at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Outward Bound Brand Ambassador, and author of 5 national best-selling books. Embark on Adam’s latest paddling adventure with us from Lake Erie to the Arctic Coast.
More information and tickets 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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