Canoe Cleanup in River Canard | |
On September 21, 2024, ADM Agri-Industries and the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will work with volunteers to remove accumulated debris and litter along the shore and within the River Canard! All cleanup supplies will be provided. Volunteers meet at River Canard Park (9480 Cr 8, Amherstburg ON), where parking is available.
This location involves walking long distances with litter collection bags and trekking along the shores of the River Canard. There will also be 8 ERCA canoes available (16 spots) with PFDs, buoyant line, whistles, bailers, and paddles for in-water cleanup works. Canoes will be launched from River Canard Park.
Event Details & Volunteer Information
- ERCA staff will be set up at parking lot in River Canard Park conducting onsite registration beginning at 9:45am.
- All participants must attest to and sign the cleanup waiver before accessing the cleaning supplies.
- Please dress for the weather, bring a reusable water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, and wear closed toed sturdy shoes.
-
Cold drinking water will be available at the registration station.
| |
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30 2024 | |
National Truth and Reconciliation day is a time for all Canadians to honour the victims and survivors of the tragic and painful history of the residential school system, while continuing to establish respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. All are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to raise awareness for the intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the message of 'Every Child Matters'. | |
Registration open for State of the Strait Conference | |
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.
| |
The UW-NUPH invites you to participate in their Access to Nature survey for an opportunity to share your understanding and relationship with nature and green spaces in the city! This University of Windsor Research Ethics Board approved study will help inform Parks Canada's policy supporting development of the National Urban Park Program across the country and the creation of a national urban park in Windsor. It will also help guide their team's future research on access to nature in urban spaces.
After completing the survey, participants have a chance to enter a draw to win one of five $50 grocery gift cards.
| |
Great Lakes Let's Talk! Webinar Series | |
The Let’s Talk! series of webinars on the Great Lakes are back. These webinars are organized by their respective Lake Partnerships and co-chaired by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These webinars are free, open to the public and recommended for anyone who is passionate about the Great Lakes! | |
Are you interested in the factors that drive algae growth in Lake Huron and the potential impacts on the ecosystem? If so, mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 11 am CT (12 pm ET). We will be hosting a one-hour public webinar, “Algae, Bacteria and Nutrients in Lake Huron,” as part of our Let’s Talk Lake Huron! webinar series.
Join us as we explore the relationships between nutrients and algae and their impact on the lake’s ecosystem. After that, join us for a presentation on the role of bacterial pollutants in the lake, possible sources and strategies for mitigation. We will also hear about the Healthy Lake Huron Initiative in Ontario, Canada, which focuses on addressing nuisance algae concerns and promoting safe and clean beaches. Our experts will then answer your questions during an interactive question and answer session.
Guest speakers include Craig Stow (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Dr. Tami Sivvy (Saginaw Valley State University) and Jessica Van Zwol (St. Clair Region Conservation Authority).
REGISTER HERE!
| |
Do you want to learn more about habitat and species protection in Lake Erie? If so, mark your calendars for October 9, 2024, at 10 am CT (11 am ET). We will be hosting a one-hour public webinar, “Habitat and Species Protection in Lake Erie,” as part of our Let’s Talk Lake Erie webinar series!
We will provide an overview presentation on the diverse ecosystems of Lake Erie and the species they support. After that, join us for a panel discussion on protecting the unique biodiversity of Lake Erie, featuring habitat and species experts from Canada and the U.S.
REGISTER HERE!
| |
Aquatic Invasive Species, Hydrilla, Found at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area | |
The aquatic invasive plant, hydrilla, has been detected for the first time in Ontario and Canada in the West Cell at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area located in Leamington, Ontario.
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) can grow up to 2.5 centimeters per day and to lengths of 7.5 meters. This rapid growing invasive species can choke out native species and clog water intake pipes, boat motors and impede other recreational activities like swimming and paddling. Hydrilla is a prohibited invasive species under Ontario’s Invasive Species Act 2015.
Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) is working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Invasive Species Centre, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and many other partners to evaluate the extent of the infestation, contain the spread, and develop plans to control this invasive species. To date, surveys have shown the infestation to be limited to the contained wetland area of the West Cell of Hillman Marsh that is not directly connected to Lake Erie.
In a pro-active effort to contain the spread of this invasive plant, ERCA will be immediately closing the West Cell of Hillman Marsh, including the trail and boardwalk, to boating, walking and hunting.
What Community Members Can Do
People can help prevent the further spread of hydrilla by:
- Learning how to recognize hydrilla by visiting the Invasive Species Centre Hydrilla Species Profile. MNR Profile, Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Profile
-
Reporting sightings of hydrilla through the EDDMapS or iNaturalist websites or mobile device applications or by calling the Invading Species Hotline 1 (800) 563-7711. A good report includes an accurate location of the sighting and photos.
-
Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft, including motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks. It’s the law in Ontario.
| | |
Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information. | |
Essex County Field Naturalists' Club Monthly Spring Garden Natural Area Walk
September 22, 10am – 11:59 pm, Spring Garden Natural Area of the Ojibway Prairie Complex
Join members of ECFNC in the Spring Garden Natural Area of the Ojibway Prairie Complex to monitor changes in the natural world on a monthly basis as the year progresses. They will meet at the Titcombe Parking Lot off Malden Rd.
| |
Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour
September 28, various times and locations
The Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour returns to raise funds to create a new entrance to the Cypher Systems Group Greenway! Show your love by joining us on Saturday, September 28, 2024, to ride in support of conservation!
With new road routes designed by 'Share the Road' for maximum comfort, the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour incorporates all the sights of summer! Road cyclists will tour through picturesque county roads on your way to Point Pelee National Park - Canada's most southern National Park! Greenway riders will meander the safe, beautiful, off-road nature trails along the Chrysler Canada and Cypher Systems Group Greenways. Back by popular demand, all routes will begin and end at the lakeside Mettawas Park in Kingsville, and will include a delicious locally sourced lunch. More information here.
| |
Self-guided Dark Sky Night
October 5, 7:30 pm – 11:59 pm, Point Pelee National Park, 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, Ontario
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 pelee.info@pc.gc.ca
| |
Essex County Field Naturalists' Club Monthly Meeting
October 9, 7:30 pm, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, Ontario
Essex County Nature meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at the Ojibway Nature Centre. There is no admission and everyone is welcome to attend.
| |
DRCC Public Advisory Council Meeting
October 16, 4:30 pm to 6:30, Budimir Public Library, 1310 Grand Marais Road West, Windsor, ON or virtual
Join members of the DRCC Public Advisory Council (PAC) at their next meeting to discuss current Detroit River watershed happenings. Supper will be provided. Please reach out to DRCC staff at postmaster@detroitriver.ca to let us know you are coming or for virtual connection information.
| |
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. | | |
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
| |
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. |
| | | |