Public Consultation Set to Begin for BUI #3 and BUI #5

The DRCC is looking to redesignate two BUI's and we want your input!

We are moving to redesignate the Degraded Fish and Wildlife Populations beneficial use impairment (BUI #3) from 'Impaired' to 'Not Impaired for Fish' and the Bird or Animal Deformities or Other Reproductive Problems beneficial use impairment (BUI #5) from 'Impaired' to 'Not Impaired'.

We will be hosting an open house in October to showcase all the science done to move forward with redesignation and to hear questions/comments from the general public. The event will take place on October 5th at 6:30 PM at the Ojibway Nature Centre in Windsor, ON. You can RSVP for the event here.

If you can't make our open house but still want to ask questions/provide comments on the BUIs, don't worry! Following the event an online forum for members of the public to comment on the BUI redesignations will open on our website.

Oak Wilt is a vascular disease effecting and killing thousands of oak trees annually. It is caused by a fungus called Bretziella fagacearum that grows on the outer sapwood of oak trees, restricting the trees’ ability to circulate water and nutrients. Currently, oak wilt is found in 24 US states and was recently discovered in 3 places in Ontario: Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-lake, and Springwater. Despite being found on Belle Isle in 2016, the disease has not seemed to make the jump to Windsor. Depending on the species of oak tree, oak wilt can kill the tree in as short as 2-6 weeks.

Oak wilt is characterized white, grey, or black fungal mats under the bark of the tree. Symptoms of the disease include wilting and bronzing of foliage, premature leaf fall, discolouration of the leaves, or vertical cracks in the bark on the trunk or large branches. For more information on how to spot oak wilt check out the website linked below. If you suspect you have found oak wilt on any of your oak trees you should contact the Canadian food inspection agency at OakWiltReportingOntario-Fletrissementduchene@inspection.gc.ca 

Photos from: 2 tornadoes hit Windsor-Essex at the same time in Thursday’s storm, investigators say (CBC); and Flooding Essex County could face ‘double-whammy’ as more rain expected (CBC) 

This summer has been exceptionally stormy for Windsor-Essex. With tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings for the area happening on what feels like an almost weekly basis. According to data from Environment Canada, the Windsor-Essex area saw an exceptional amount of rainfall in July compared to its average of 89 millimeters. The total amount of rainfall for the month was reported as 126 millimeters, with many areas experiencing large amounts from isolated storms. One example of this is Pelee Island, which received 86.9 millimeters from the storm on July 26. More info on July’s storms can be found here.

In August the storms only got worse, with the area experiencing massive amounts of flooding, two tornadoes, downbursts, and record amounts of lightening, in just two days. Wednesday the 23rd's lightening storm allowed Windsor to live up to its name as the lightening capital of Canada; with storms beginning Wednesday evening and continuing into Thursday morning. Many residents awoke to massive amounts of flooding Thursday morning only to get pummeled by storms again Thursday evening. It was reported by the Environment Canada, that over Wednesday night Harrow received 188 millimeters of rainfall, with many other areas in the county experiencing similar amounts. More information on August’s floods can be found here. 

The Thursday storms had more in for the already flooded county, with residents receiving tornado warnings late in the evening. The Northern Tornadoes project out of Western University was able to identify an EF-1 tornado that ran through 14 km of Tecumseh and an EF-0 twister that ran through 12 km of Sandwich Town and South Windsor before dissipating in Lasalle. Both twisters touched down at approximately 10:30 pm and caused significant damage to homes and other infrastructure in the affected areas. You can read more about the twisters here.

ERCAs festival of hawks is right around the corner and expected to be a weekend filled with fun for all ages. The festival will span 2 days from September 16-17, and be packed with educational, nature-themed events. Some event highlights include the evening owl prowl, live music, food, art vendors, and much more! Be sure to sign up for the evening owl prowl hike to learn more about the owls in the Windsor-Essex area. Full schedule and details can be found on ERCA’s website by clicking the buttons below.

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation will take place on September 30th this year.

It is important that we all take the time to acknowledge and learn about the truths of families and survivors of the Canadian residential school system. Many schools, colleges, universities, libraries, and other public institutions will have programming related to learning about truth and reconciliation. The DRCC encourages everyone to look into truth and reconciliation programming/events local to them and stop by to learn more.

In Windsor-Essex, the town of Amherstburg will be holding an event called Maamwii Bimose “Walking Together” with Indigenous People. The event will take place on the 30th from 1-6pm. For more information check out the event website here.

Photo from: Ontario gets new conservation reserve after years of advocacy (CBC) Photo taken by: Jason Pettit (South Shore Joint Initiative)

From: Ontario Establishes First New Conservation Reserve in 10 Years (Ontario.ca Press Release)

The Ontario government has created the province’s first new conservation reserve in over 10 years. The Monarch Point Conservation Reserve will protect nearly 4,000 acres along the south shores of Prince Edward County – an area nearly five times the size of the Toronto Islands.

Ontario’s newest conservation reserve is named for the monarch butterfly, which frequents the area as part of its annual migration. In recognition of the site as an International Monarch Butterfly Reserve, Monarch Point Conservation Reserve (formerly known as Ostrander Crown Land Block and Point Petre Provincial Wildlife Area) will continue providing critical habitat for a range of species, including the at-risk monarch butterfly, migratory birds, reptiles, and plants.

The conservation reserve is a long time coming for the area, according to the South Shore Joint Initiative. Details of the fight for this area were covered in a CBC article which can be read here.

Southern Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area are the target of $561,000 in species at risk protection funding, as a 3-year project with ALUS Canada is set to begin.

The funds are part of the species at risk stewardship program, which encourages people and organizations to get involved in the protection of at risk plants and wildlife in Ontario. The money will be used with ALUS Canada to create, enhance, and maintain ecosystems on farmlands.

There are two new nature reserves in Windsor-Essex, thanks to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

The newest reserves were sprouted from a rural farm and woodlot property, purchased 25 years ago by Orfeo Lucchese, and now boast having a vibrant forest, meadows, and wetlands. The Nature Conservancy of Canada purchased the lands on August 23rd and named the new reserves Upper Cedar Creek and Hillman Sand Hills. The lands house many species at risk and species of special concern, including the eastern wood-peewee, one of Ontario’s rarest birds, painted turtles, and swamp rosemallow. You can read the full article by clicking the button below.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting their Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally October 7th and 8th along the Dequindre Cut trial in east Detroit. The event is intended for all ages and will celebrate fall harvest while also showcasing the work that the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has done to improve the American riverfront. To learn more about the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy or Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally please click the highlighted links.

The event is looking for volunteers for its Harvest Fest Green Team. The team is responsible for managing the festivals composting and recycling program, and was able to divert 46.7% of the festival waste last year. Volunteers will receive a variety of perks and you can sign up or learn more here.

National Forest Week: September 17-23

Each year National Forest Week is celebrated across Canada by many individuals and diverse governmental and non governmental organizations. Canadians are invited to learn more about Canada’s forest heritage and to raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource. Forests are fundamental to our economy, culture, traditions and history – and to our future. Communities, families and individuals depend on forests for their livelihood and way of life.

World Rivers Day: September 24

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation: September 30

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is federally recognized to acknowledge the survivors of the Indian Residential School system in Canada and reflect on their stories and their families stories. The Indian Residential School system operated from the 1870s to the 1990s and forced over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children to attend. Many of these children never made it home and many of those who did experienced atrocities at the hands of school leadership.

Upcoming Local Events

Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information. For more local events check out the Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island website.  

Festival of Hawks: Owl Prowl Hike

September 16 at 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm, Holiday Beach Conservation Area, 6952 50 Cr, Amherstburg, ON

Join ERCA's education team to learn about the owls of southwestern Ontario, their adaptations, physiology, and more. Then enjoy a guided hike through Holiday Beach Conservation Area, looking and listening for these majestic birds of prey. Preregistration is required and spots are limited, so sign up today!

Festival of Hawks

September 16 and 17 2023, 10am to 3pm, Holiday Beach Conservation Area, 6952 50 Cr, Amherstburg, ON

The Festival of Hawks will take place on Saturday September 16 and 17 2023 at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. The event will feature educational activities for all ages, food, live music, and other vendors. For more information and the festival activities, click here.

Dark Sky Nights at Point Pelee National Park

September 16, Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON

Explore the park after dark and get a chance to view stars in a way you haven't seen before. The park will be open until midnight on September 16th for you to get a chance to view the skies at Windsor-Essex's only dark sky preserve. Visitors can pick up a seasonal star chart upon arrival. For more information please contact us at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or check out the event website here.

Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour

September 23 2023, 8am to 5pm, Windsor-Essex Region

The Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour returns to raise funds for conservation initiatives across the Essex Region! For the past two years, people have flocked to conservation areas and trails in unprecedented numbers. Show your love for for these special places by joining us on Saturday, September 23, 2023, to ride in support of conservation efforts in the region! For more information and to register, click here.

Open Farms Windsor Essex

September 23 2023, various locations

Learn about how the food you eat gets to you! Each farm involved will offer unique experiences such as tastings, tours, and hands on activities. Be sure to download the free digital pass which will guide visitors to each farm. Details can be found here.

Ruthven Apple Festival

September 30 and October 1 2023, Colasantis Tropical Gardens, 1550 Road 3 E, Kingsville, ON

The Ruthven Apple Festival is back for another year! This year the festival boasts many art vendors, food vendors, a car show, and of course, fresh picked apples. All proceeds from the festival will go to Community Living Essex County to support those living with intellectual disabilities. For more info on the event check out their page here.

Harvest and Horses Festival

October 1 2023, John R. Park Homestead, 915 County Road 50, Harrow, ON

Save the date for this years harvest and horses festival on October 1 at the John R. Park Homestead. Details for the event can be found here.

BUI #3 (Fish) and BUI #5 Redesignation Open House

October 5 2023, 6:30pm to 9:00pm, Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette rd., Windsor, ON

The DRCC is redesignating two of our BUI's and we want your input! Come out to our open house to hear directly from the scientists and learn about the DRCC. Registration is available here. Sign up today, as spaces to this event are limited!

Water Rangers and Lake Erie Guardians Wetland Planting

October 11 2023, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, County Road 50 (42.031583, -83.017750), Amherstburg, ON

Residents across Windsor-Essex are invited to join the Essex Region Conservation Authority in partnership with Water Rangers and the Lake Erie Guardians at our upcoming wetland restoration event. Volunteers are needed to plant a variety of native shrub, wetland and prairie species in the Big Creek Watershed. For event info you can click here.

Wild Ontario

October 7 2023, 11am to 4pm, Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON

Join Wild Ontario to learn more about Birds of Prey in Ontario and their role in our ecosystem. For more information please contact us at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or check out the event website here.

College Avenue Bikeway Community Tree Planting

October 14 2023, 10am to 12pm, College Avenue Bikeway (On College Ave between Brock St. and Prince rd.), Windsor, ON

Volunteers are welcome to register for the upcoming fall community tree planting event hosted by the Essex Region Conservation Authority in partnership with the City of Windsor and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. A total of 40 large native to Windsor-Essex potted trees will be planted at College Avenue Bikeway Park to increase urban shade and biodiversity. The holes will be excavated in advance to help with breaking the ground. You can find out more and register for the event here.

Art at the oTENTiks

October 15 and 16 2023, 11am to 4pm, Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON

Come walk through the Camp Henry oTENTik village and visit local vendors. Event highlights will include live demonstrations, shopping local artisans and watching how they create their work, a community painting, and the ability to create your own works of art to take home. For more information please contact us at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or check out the event website here.

Migration Fall Festival

October 19 to 22 2023, Kingsville (various locations), ON

This year marks the 54th annual Migration Fall Festival weekend. Kingsville welcomes the community to a celebration of migration, heritage, nature conservation and Jack Miner. Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary is also hosting various activities, such as a maze, a car show slow roll, and much more. You can find out more by checking out the website here.

Pykes Park Community Tree Planting in Ford City

October 25 2023, 4:00pm to 5:30pm, Pykes Park, Windsor, ON

Save the date! There will be a community tree planting at Pykes Park in Ford City. Event info can be found here.

Essex County Field Naturalists' Club Annual Dinner

November 4 2023, 6:30pm, Royal Canadian Legion, Metropolitan Branch 594, 5030 Howard Avenue, Tecumseh, ON

he ECFNC 36^th Annual Dinner is on Saturday, Nov. 4^th at the Royal Canadian Legion, Metropolitan Branch 594, 5030 Howard Avenue, Tecumseh, ON. (South of Hwy 3; across from the Heavenly Rest Cemetery). Doors open at 5:00 pm; Dinner at 6:30 pm, tickets are $40.00 each. This event includes a silent auction, cash bar, door prizes and a county style sit down dinner.

Enjoy an interesting talk by Dr. Dennis Higgs, a Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of Windsor; his topic is Fish Communications. Dr. Higgs has been described as very engaging and interesting; previous audiences have really enjoyed his talk. Take part in honouring a special member for his/her outstanding work for the club.

Purchase tickets in person or online: Ojibway Nature Centre, open Wed. to Fri. 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm, and Sat. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Or reach out to Aileen Petrozzi - petrozzi2@gmail.com or JoAnn Grondin - 519-734-0056 or online.

The last day to buy tickets is midnight on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023.

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