Final Speaker Series Session of 2026
Join us for the final session of our 2026 Speaker Series – a River of Knowledge.
Karen Marzonie, Fair Lane Senior Director of Gardens & Grounds, will trace the history, restoration, and ongoing transformation of Fair Lane’s historic landscape; highlight new efforts to enhance visitor accessibility and amenities; and share a few restoration “growing pains” that will inspire you to stay resilient in your own gardening journeys.
When: Sunday, Oct 25; 2-4 PM
Where: Fair Lane Estate
Tickets are $20 and include admission along with light refreshments.
Reserve your seat today!
Fall Native Plant Market for All
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 on Saturday, October 3.
When: Saturday, Oct 3 from 10 AM to 1 PM
Where: Keep Growing Detroit Farm
Select from a variety of native plants sold on-site by multiple local vendors. Available products will include: trees, shrubs, single plugs, flats, garden kits, quarts, pots, and artisan goods. Enjoy a beautiful Fall day at Eastern Market!
Fall Birding Paddle Trip
If you love birding and you love to paddle, this is the trip for you! Join Friends of the Rouge and the Detroit Bird Alliance for the Fall Birding Paddle Trip on Newburgh Lake on Saturday October 3 at 9 AM. See the amazing fall colors and explore the bird species of the Rouge! Detroit Bird Alliance will help paddlers identify the dozens of bird species who call the Rouge River watershed their home.
This open water paddle is great for beginners!
See you on the River!
Spruce-Up at Claude Allison
Join your Friends at Claude Allison for this rain garden’s final spruce-up workday!
On October 7th, from 10 AM to 1 PM, volunteers will get their hands in the dirt and do tasks like removing weeds, planting new natives, and cleaning up trash. All ages and gardening experience are welcome.
We hope to see you there!
Fish Found for the First Time in over 85 years!
Your Fish Team was out sampling last week in the Lower Rouge and were thrilled to catch greenside darters! It has been many decades since they have been found in the Rouge-they were sampled in the Lower Rouge in 1924, in Rouge Park in 1936 and in Bell Creek in 1941! We believe that they are repopulating the Rouge from the Detroit River. In addition to greenside darters, we also caught northern logperch, rock bass, and northern hogsuckers-all fish that are intolerant to pollution. This is a great sign that the river has improved as there is nothing but water quality to have prevented greenside darters from being in the Rouge!
Fish Hatchery Fall Clean Up
Start your Saturday at Fish Hatchery Park in Northville for a Fall Cleanup!
On October 17th, starting at 9 AM, volunteers will spend the morning removing invasive species at this park. These efforts will help keep the Rouge River clean for the species that use it, including the trout that will be spawning soon.
Meet others in your community, protect your river, and enjoy a beautiful day in the park!
This event is in partnership with the Paul H. Young Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the City of Northville.
DNR Fisheries Habitat Grant Program Funded
Your Monitoring Team has been awarded an $80,600 grant for Culvert Inventorying and Monitoring in Johnson Creek, your coldwater tributary where the state endangered Redside Dace fish can be found. Undersized or perched culverts can prevent the things that live in the river from moving up and downstream. The award comes from the Michigan DNR’s Fisheries Habitat Grant Program. Ten projects were funded, and all will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitats that provide the foundation for Michigan’s fisheries.
PFAS Awareness Week
PFAS awareness week is September 21st-25th. During this week, all of us Michiganders are encouraged to take steps to reduce our exposure to PFAS. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that were first used in the 1940s for industry and manufacturing, are linked to harmful human health effects, and have been found in Michigan’s water, soil, air, fish, wildlife, and people.
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
Rouge River Supporters
A better River is made possible thanks to these
supporters and in thanks to caring Friends like you
Upcoming Events
Friday September 25 at 9 AM: General Baker Institute Rain Garden Wrap Up
Saturday October 3 at 9 AM: Fall Birding Paddle Trip
Saturday October 3 at 10 AM: Fall Native Plant Sale
Wednesday October 7 at 10 AM: Claude Allison Rain Garden Spruce Up
Partner Events
October 1: IWLA Webinar Clean Water Act Under Attack: How To Take Action
Friday October 26: Oakland County WRC: Regional Stormwater Summit
Job Opportunities
Friends of Rouge Park: Michigan Healthy Climate Fellow
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.