Rouge Rundown – October 8, 2025: Haunted Paddle | What do the Frogs Say? | Johnson Creek & More

Thanks to you, frogs and toads are still surviving in the Rouge River’s wetlands. A report on the 2025 Rouge Frog and Toad Survey is now available. Friendly volunteer surveyors submitted data for 154 blocks. An average of 3.4 species were heard per block  and American toads, green frogs and gray treefrogs were the most commonly heard species.  Please check out the full report below. This data would not be possible without the willingness of volunteers to venture out in the dark and listen for these fragile creatures and the caring support of Friends like you!

Friends of the Rouge is thrilled to be awarded a watershed planning grant to help conserve the Johnson Creek. The goals of the grant are to preserve and protect Johnson Creek, identify potential wetland restoration areas and reduce E. coli within the watershed. Johnson Creek is the watershed’s only cold water tributary and retains some of the best water quality, fish and benthic macroinvertebrate populations. Development around the creek poses a growing threat to this unique high quality stream.

FOTR is partnering with Six Rivers Land Conservancy, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, the Alliance of Rouge Communities, Northville Township and Salem Township Land Preservation & Conservation Board to  develop a list of priority parcels for conservation and to gather information on septic systems.  This project is funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

Each year, we host a special reception to honor our Stonefly Society members (members who contribute $1,000+ annually). This year’s gathering took place at the beautifully restored Fair Lane Estate, where guests enjoyed refreshments, meaningful conversation, and an inspiring presentation by expert Bob Muller about the fishway project constructed on the Fair Lane Estate grounds. The afternoon wrapped up with a first look at the newly renovated home and grounds—a rare and memorable experience.

As a member of the Stonefly Society, you’ll receive personalized updates about the difference you’re making, early and behind-the-scenes access to select events, and a heartfelt invitation to our Annual Stonefly Society Reception.

Curious about joining this circle of Friends? We’d love to connect. Reach out to Nicole or Liz at 734-927-4900, or click below to send us a note.

A warm thank you to these newest members and Friends – your Rouge River loves you!

Indigo Dreams Inc, Brenda Vaishnav, Cheryl Rotole, David Hancock, Shane Kavanagh, Matthias Kirch, Linda Schwelnus, Derek Shaffer, Lauren Anthony, Kelly Masters, Rod Schlessman, Paige Fouty, Merritt & Mary Robertson, Joe Biczak, Bettina Massey, Edward O’Brien II, Stacie Chaiken, anonymous friends (3)