Looking for Leaders Who Love Their River
Friends of the Rouge is officially opening nominations for our 2027–2029 Board of Directors!
We’re looking for thoughtful, creative leaders who care deeply about clean water, community, and the health of our watershed. Whether your strengths are advocacy, law, finance, fundraising, strategic planning, or hands‑on river work, your perspective matters.
If you’re an FOTR member in good standing (or ready to become one), explore the role and apply. Let’s shape the future of your Rouge River together.
Deadline to apply is October 9, 2026
Woody Debris Work Day
Volunteer with Friends of the Rouge to remove woody debris and open a log jam at Dynamite Park in Wayne on Saturday, September 19th at 10 AM. Opening and clearing log jams can be difficult work, you will wear waders and work to remove debris from the river. Use the button below to sign up!
Claude Allison Park Spruce-Up
Want to help your community plant some natives in a rain garden?
On Sept 19th, we will spend Saturday mid-morning at Claude Allison Park in Redford to spruce up the gardens and replant. These rain gardens need some love! Tasks will include planting new plants, removing weeds, cleaning up trash, and other tasks as needed.
All ages and gardening experience are welcome. Register at the link below.
Industrial Paddle
Join your Friends of the Rouge for our Industrial Paddle Trip launching from Kessey Fieldhouse in Melvindale on Saturday, September 26th at 9:30 AM. Paddle downstream to Belanger Park and see the Original Ford Rouge Complex, one of a kind drawbridges, and more!
Boat rental fee is $50 and includes the boat, shuttle, PFD, and paddles. There is a $15 service fee to bring a personal boat. Participants bringing their own boat must have a double hulled sea kayak and a personal flotation device (PFD).
See you on the River!
Fall Bug Hunt: Team Leaders Needed
Are you a trained team leader or interested in becoming one?
Sign up for the Fall Bug Hunt! On Saturday, October 10th, team leaders are needed to lead volunteer groups at two sites in the watershed to search for aquatic invertebrates that live in the Rouge River. To be a team leader, you must have attended at least one bug hunt in the past. There will be an in-person team leader training on Wednesday, September 30th at 5 PM; register at the link below.
Fish Team Highlighted on Brother Nature
Jack Nissen from Fox 2 Detroit joined your fish team out in the river to see what sorts of fishy friends we could find. Thank you to Jack for highlighting FOTR and our monitoring program!
If you would like to learn more about the fish found in your river, check out our Data Portal!
Fall Native Plant Market
Summer may be ending, but fall is the perfect time to plant native! You are invited to shop the Fall Native Plant Market at Keep Growing Detroit Farm – right next to Eastern Market – on Saturday, October 3 from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Select from a variety of native plants sold on-site by multiple local vendors. Enjoy a beautiful Fall day at Eastern Market!
Rouge River Supporters
A better River is made possible thanks to these
supporters and in thanks to caring Friends like you
Upcoming Events
Saturday September 19 at 10 AM: Claude Allison Rain Garden Spruce-Up
Saturday September 19 at 10 AM: Woody Debris Work Day
Thursday September 24 at 6 PM: Henry Ford Centennial Library Spruce-Up
Saturday September 26 at 9 AM: Industrial Paddle Trip
Saturday September 26 at 9 AM: Picnic in the PARC: PARC Rain Garden Spruce-Up
Saturday October 3 at 9 AM: Fall Birding Paddle Trip
Saturday October 3 at 10 AM: Fall Native Plant Sale
Partner Events
Saturday September 12: Friends of Rouge Park: Buffalo Soldiers and Blues Freedom Festival
Sunday September 13: Friends of Detroit River: Biking Event Park to Park
Saturday September 19: Detroit Bird Alliance: Lake Erie Metropark Field Trip
Sunday September 20: Friends of Rouge Park: Bike Tour
Sunday September 20: Cass Community Social Services: Rain Garden Installation – Volunteer Opportunity. If you are interested in learning more, email sandrawhite333@yahoo.com
Week of September 21: Michigan EGLE: Michigan PFAS Awareness Week
Categories
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News & EventsLearn more about upcoming FOTR events and projects
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NewslettersThe Rouge Rundown is our biweekly newsletter. Click to read past editions.