What are the Frogs telling us? Thanks to you, frogs and toads are still surviving in the Rouge River’s wetlands. A report on the 2023 Rouge Frog and Toad Survey is now available. Friendly volunteer surveyors submitted data for 149 blocks. An average of 3.1 species were heard per block and American toads, green frogs and gray treefrogs were the most commonly heard species. Please check out the report as well as a map showing all species heard over the past 25 years. 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! |
Two Paid Monitoring Internships Available FOTR seeks two interns interested in expanding their knowledge and experience in the environmental field. The goals of this internship are to collect information about chloride concentrations throughout the watershed, and to assist with our annual Stonefly Search, Frog and Toad Survey and Spring Bug Hunt. |
‘Tis the Season: Your Stonefly Search Registration is Open! Volunteer for the annual Stonefly Search on January 20th, 2024. Volunteers visit sites throughout the headwaters of the watershed and search for stoneflies. Stoneflies are very sensitive aquatic insects that hatch from streams in winter. The presence or absence of these streambed creatures reflects the quality of the water and habitat. Come join the fun with Friends and discover River life in the depths of winter! |
Apply for a 2024 Community Rain Garden Do you own a business, attend a house of worship, work for a non-profit or know of a community site that could benefit from a rain garden in Detroit, Dearborn or River Rouge? Applicants from zip codes 48217, 48120, 48126, and 48218 are encourage to receive training, materials, and professional support to build a beautiful, large-scale rain garden with help from your community volunteers! Rain gardens are a great asset to any property. These gardens manage stormwater, provide habitat for butterflies, create a beautiful living ecosystem in your yard! Apply by Feb. 29, 2024. |
Master Rain Gardener Registration Open Join the ever growing community of Master Rain Gardeners across Southeast Michigan! Protect your home against flooding and help birds, bees and butterflies with a RAIN garden! You’ll learn *everything* the instructors know about rain gardens. Registration is now open for winter 2024 virtual course beginning Jan 25th from 10am to noon. Sign up now for the early bird pricing. Select communities could register for FREE– click the link to see if you may qualify! |
Native Plant Kits: The Perfect Gift to Treat Yourself! The Rouge Store is now OPEN for you for pre-orders of native plants and rain barrels for pick-up in Spring 2024! Discover the joy of gardening with unique Michigan native plants. Select your kit now – and be ready for gardening come spring! |
Your River, Your Story by Joe Jenio Mighty Rouge…
Summertime…
Mostly a trickle…
Winter…
A frozen ribbon…
My territory…
Grand river to eight…
Meandering more than a mile…
The cemetery…
Sooo scary…
Is it where Hoffa is buried???
Winter Redford skating rink…
Dime matinee…
Tuesday & Thursday free…
Long beanie…
Steamy hot chocolate too…
My first kiss… |
Your Kindness this Holiday Season Enters You to Win! Friends, do you hear the soft, still voice of this sweet Frog speaking to your heart? You can bring safe, clean water home to small frogs and your loved ones with a gift today. Your $30 gift plants 15 new Michigan plants right here – in a Rouge River rain garden – for a healthier River habitat. Great news: Your gift today thru December 31st enters you to win 2 free tickets to the fabulous August 2024 summer party – “Heart of the Rouge” – thanks to the caring donation of a loving, anonymous Friend! Save a frog. Have a ball. Love your River. You are just the Hero this frog is looking for. Please make your gift today! |
What Makes the Rouge River Even Better? YOU! Thank you, Friends. And a warm WELCOME to the newest Members and “Friends” of Friends of the Rouge who have recently joined: Carl Abner, Brian Awood, Margaret & Robert Bake, Neal Balamucki, Kevin Bertram, Mitchel & Barbara Blum-Alexander, Michael Bowdler, Michele Bradley, Rhoda Bringard, Karen Chapin, Roberta Deering, Liz & John DeLisle, Axel Demuth, Laura Fabbri-Tucker, Madalina Felice, Keith Gonzalez, Mark Goodin, Nancy Gregor, Gunnar Groesbeck & Katy Schoetzow, David Kelter, Tim Killeen, Sue Laabs, Nick Leonard, Kevin Lepak, Richard & Scott Levely, Ethan Lowenstein, Elizabeth Lycans, Jane Mackey, Mark & Patty Malcolm, Julia Mantey, Greg Martin, James McCormick, Marianne Moran, Michelle Paich, Candace Rieck, Mary Ryan, Allen Salyer, Sue & Gary Scheiwe, Lynne Seymour, Victoria Shepard, Octavia Smith, Kathryn Susanka, David Timmermann, Paula & Austin Vance, Mark Wallace, Katy Weiks-Bedoun!
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| From Your Friend, Dallas Restoration Coordinator |
A better River is made possible with thanks to these supporters and caring Friends like you |
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