fbpx
friends@therouge.org | 734-927-4900 | Fax: 734-927-4920

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

Where is your office located?

We are located at:
650 Church Street Suite 209
Plymouth, MI 48170

The FOTR office is located off of Main Street on the North end of downtown Plymouth, Michigan. From Church Street, follow Adams Street along the west side of the building to access the very large parking lot behind the main building. You can park anywhere in the lot, but there’s usually plenty of space closer to the back entrance. Accessible parking is available in the rear parking lot.

There is a red awning with “PARC” on it – enter through the double doors past the banner of PARC, CCS and FOTR flags. Upon entering take a right and pass through the blue doors. At the front entrance of the building there’s a very large staircase – take that to the second floor. Upon entering take an immediate left (you will see a tropical rain forest mural on your left). Our offices take up a large section of the west side of the second floor. The main door is blue door and accompanying nature murals down the hallway… you will find us there!

There is also an elevator nearest the ramped door with an auto door open button via the large parking lot. This door is to the left of the main walkway up to the red awning doors. Once inside, take the elevator to the second floor, follow the hallway and take a left when you hit lockers and follow around the corner. From there you should see our blue door.

What are your hours?

Due to the nature of our event and program schedules, our office hours vary and we encourage you to call prior to your visit: 734-927-4900.

I’d like to volunteer. How do I get started?

You’ve already started! We encourage you to explore our website and see what interests you about Friends of the Rouge and the work we do throughout the watershed. Volunteer opportunities are regularly updated and posted under Volunteer Opportunities.

I am a person with a disability and need accommodations, who do I contact?

Friends of the Rouge is happy to have you at our event and can make adjustments as needed to allow full participation from you and other persons with disabilities. Please reach out to the event contact person or call our office main number (734-927-4900) at least one week prior to an event for any accommodations you may need, including print materials. Trained service animals are welcome at all events, indoors and outdoors.

Please note that a majority of Friends of the Rouge events take place outdoors and may: have uneven ground, slippery ground, steep grades, allergy-triggering plants and pollen, no access to a nearby public restroom, and limited parking area (depending on location).

Do you offer internships?

Availability of internship opportunities varies year to year based on program needs. From time to time, paid internship opportunities are available and will be under Job Opportunities.

Will someone from your office come to my school/garden club/scout troop to give a presentation on the Rouge River?

We receive numerous requests for guest speakers however, with limited resources, are unable to accommodate individual requests. We would love for your group to learn more about the Rouge River watershed and hope that you will consider joining Friends of the Rouge at one of our upcoming events.

Another great source of information about the Rouge River is the Environmental Interpretive Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. They have a wonderful facility featuring an interactive Rouge watershed map, three-screen surround sound auditorium, and wildlife observation room. The Center can accommodate small group field trips as well as the curiosity of any individual visitor.

About the River

I am working on a school project about the Rouge River and need information. Can you help?

The Friends of the Rouge website contains much of the information you may need for your project. Below is a list of pages that you may be interested in exploring further:
About the Rouge River watershed
PowerPoint Presentation on the Rouge River watershed

Additional information about the Rouge River can be obtained by visiting the Alliance of Rouge Communities website (http://www.allianceofrougecommunities.com/).

Is the river improving?

The health of the Rouge River has improved over the last 20 years due to efforts of communities, citizens, corporations, local governments, and other organizations. The river remains affected by runoff, flashiness, and pollution and measures are being taken to identify and address specific areas of concern. The Rouge River Report Card (2013) provides helpful information about the condition of the river over time.

How long is the Rouge River?

The Rouge River has four major branches that make up its 126 river miles. For more information about the river and the watershed, press HERE.

Are there fish in the Rouge River?

Many fish species reside and thrive in the Rouge River.

Learn more about the fish of the Rouge River HERE.

Residential Issues

I know of a large logjam. Who will come out to remove it?

Logjams, referred to as woody debris, are a naturally occurring phenomenon. Woody debris can be managed via a variety of methods and we recommend consulting with your local municipality for specific regulations.

I know of an area near or in the river that is full of trash and debris. What can I do?

If you cannot safely access the debris yourself, we recommend contacting your local municipality to find out if there any scheduled cleanup events or what resources are available in your community.

I am experiencing erosion on my property because of the river. What can I do?

Erosion is a serious issue and we recommend consulting with your local municipality to learn more about specific resources that may be available. Also, you can get involved with our river restoration activities to learn more about how to prevent erosion.

Someone is dumping in the river. Who can I call about this?

If you suspect illegal dumping, please contact the emergency environmental hotline or call 800-292-4706. If the dumping is going on while you are there, call 911.