Rouge Rundown – April 8, 2026: Garden Fun | Annual Report | Preserved Land & More

The Rouge River reminds us that real change often begins beneath the surface, and 2025 was that kind of year for Friends of the Rouge — a year of challenge, reflection, and renewed purpose. 

We’re thrilled to share what we accomplished together. As we enter a new season of monitoring, paddling, planting, and celebration, we do so with clarity and hope.

Thank you for believing in the future of your River and helping build a watershed where people and nature thrive together. 

More than 165 community members joined us on March 24th for the Science on Screen event at the Penn Theatre featuring the documentary River.

After the screening, guests engaged in a rich conversation exploring rivers as witnesses to history, symbols of both majesty and fragility, and reminders of our shared responsibility as stewards. We were honored to be joined by three remarkable speakers—Dr. Myra Tetteh, Dr. Elena Past, and Antonio Cosme—each offering a unique lens on connection, creativity, and care for your Rouge. Their insights helped deepen our collective understanding of how art, science, and community intertwine.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a thoughtful, inspiring evening. Together, we continue to strengthen our relationship with our Rouge River and with one another.

Join your Friends in Hamtramck for a neighborhood block party!

As part of the City’s Arbor Day celebration, community members are invited to join in planting trees and enjoying a fun, family-friendly day with local vendors! Crafts, games, giveaways, and other activities are planned for this event as well. It will take place on Saturday, April 25th, from 10 am to 1 pm at Pulaski Park (9625 Lumpkin St, Hamtramck, MI 48212).

This event will kick off the planting season for the “Grow Hamtramck” project, the City’s grant-funded program to plant 1,000 trees in 4 years. 

Hope to see you there!

Join your Friends for our next paddle trip on Saturday, April 25th at 9am for the Learn to Paddle event. This event is for beginner paddlers; there will be certified paddle instructors and experienced volunteers to help you with every step. The paddle will take place at the Ford Field Park pond in Dearborn. 

Looking to get on the water for the first time? This is the trip for you!  Click the link below to register today!

Thanks to the work of Friends of the Rouge, Holliday Nature Preserve Association, Michigan Land Conservancy, and Wayne County Conservation District, 10.45 acres have been purchased next to the William P. Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve. We are pleased to announce that this land will be preserved and protected for future generations.

The property is located along Hix Road in the City of Westland. It was a key parcel of woods and wetlands that was previously owned by Livonia Public Schools. This land was purchased through a grant from Ducks Unlimited’s Wetlands Conservation Program. Thank you to Ducks Unlimited and Livonia Public Schools for making the preservation of this land possible.

Are you ready to refresh your yard this spring? Shop native Michigan plants with Friends! Michigan’s native plants look great, support the environment, save you time and money, and bring life back to your landscape. At the upcoming Native Plant sale, you’ll find a wide selection of Michigan’s beautiful plants—perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.

Pre-order beautiful native plants and rain barrels NOW for the Spring! Save the date for the pick-up and same day Spring Native Plant Market on Saturday May 16 at Ford Field Park in Dearborn. 

ORDER DEADLINE: Wed, April 22nd.