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Whew! We can safely say that 2025 was a year of challenges. Forces beyond our imagination challenged us to think differently about everything – about the way nonprofits are viewed by the general public, about the ways we show up for your Rouge River, even about the ways we show up for ourselves. Throughout these ups and downs, the thing that remained constant was you, Friends. You showed us that your Rouge is more than “just a river” – it is a beacon. A call to hope and a reminder of what can happen when everyday citizens like you care about your piece of the world. There is so much good mixed in with the challenges of 2025 and I’m reminded that we’ve been in these situations before, and we came out the other side stronger, more resilient, and more determined to speak up for your Rouge River.
As I sit at my desk watching new snowflakes gently fall, I’m reminded that January is a time for new beginnings. T.S. Eliot said “last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice…to make an end is to make a beginning.” I think this is what is so magical about the opportunity we create for ourselves every January – the chance to leave behind what was, and to reach out for what can be.
Friends – You are invited to celebrate Fall, your River, and the beautiful impact that YOU make. Mark your calendar and join Friends for a beautiful day at Ford Field Park. Enjoy decorations from the Haunted Paddle, toast s’mores, and connect with Friends at interactive Rouge River tents! This family-friendly event is free. Costumes are optional.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Best Friend of the Rouge Awards. These awardees have shown commitment and dedication to the Rouge River watershed. Thank you to all the Friends who have given back to your Rouge River this past year. The awards were presented at the 2025 Celebrate with Friends: Award Ceremony and Gathering on the Rouge on June 18, 2025. Please read below for the presentation of the awards.
As I sit at my desk watching new snowflakes gently fall, I’m reminded that January is a time for new beginnings. T.S. Eliot said “last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice…to make an end is to make a beginning.” I think this is what is so magical about the opportunity we create for ourselves every January – the chance to leave behind what was, and to reach out for what can be.
Pick up your pre-ordered rain barrels, rain barrel kits, stands, diverters and composters starting at noon!
As I sit at my desk watching new snowflakes gently fall, I’m reminded that January is a time for new beginnings. T.S. Eliot said “last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice…to make an end is to make a beginning.” I think this is what is so magical about the opportunity we create for ourselves every January – the chance to leave behind what was, and to reach out for what can be.
Summer of 2024, FOTR culvert technicians Ben Walski and Jerrad Jankowski led the sampling of over 225 sites along the Lower Rouge and its tributaries where the stream crosses a road. Check out the new stream crossing dashboard, where every single site can be found with corresponding data and scoring.