Rouge Rundown – September 20, 2023 – Birding Paddle | Native Plant Sale | Freshwater Mussels | New Rain Garden Map & More!

September 20, 2023
ROUGE RUNDOWN

Hey Michiganders – Native Plants are Calling You!

Save the date for Saturday, October 7th from 10am to 1pm for your second annual Fall Native Plant Market hosted by Keep Growing Detroit. Pre-order Designs by Nature native plant kits NOW for pickup or shop same-day plants from local vendors at the event. After you shop plants, you can check out the Dequindre Cut’s Harvest Festival for a full day of fun!

Pre-order Your Native Plants

Happy Trails and Birding: Your River Exploration Starts Here!

You are invited to a birding paddle trip—in partnership with Detroit Audubon—on Saturday, October 7.

Meet at the Newburgh Lake Boat Launch in Livonia, MI and explore the native birds of the Rouge Watershed on this special open water birding paddle. Livery and shuttle services will be provided. If you are bringing your own boat, there is a $10 shuttle fee. It is $40 to rent a kayak or canoe. Click the link to register. See you—and the great fall migration—soon!

Volunteer for Your Clean Water Future

Fall is near and the time is just right to build a clean water future! You are invited to tend baby trees and rain gardens for a better Rouge River and a better you! Click the link to below to make an impact.

Volunteer for Trees & Gardens this Fall!

Enthusiasts Learn to Identify Rare Species in Your Rouge River

On Sept. 9, state aquatic biologist Amanda Chambers taught a group of volunteers, staff, and DNR and WSU biologists how to identify freshwater mussels in your Rouge River. North America is home to 300 species of mussels and Michigan has 42 species, 65% of them imperiled. Called “Livers of the River,” they filter pollutants and provide food and habitat for other wildlife. Friends have identified 13 species in the river, five of which are listed in Michigan as endangered, threatened, or special concern.

While no mussels were found during this training, these Friends are better prepared to identify and protect these important species. Click the button below for more information and sign up for the Fall Bug Hunt to visit two sites where you might encounter freshwater mussels.

Rouge Freshwater Mussels

Your Rain Garden Belongs Here!

Visit the new Rainscaping in Southeast Michigan map to discover where rain gardens and other green solutions are in your neighborhood. This map is crowd-sourced – and you are invited to join the green solution crowd. If you have installed a rain garden, rain barrel, or stormwater solution in your yard, add your photos and put YOUR “dot” on the map.

Interact with the Map

Do your part and be SepticSmart!

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed September 18-22, 2023, as SepticSmart Week. On Monday, Sept. 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – in conjunction with federal, state, and local governments, and private sector partners – will kick off its eleventh annual SepticSmart Week to encourage homeowners and communities to properly care for and maintain their septic systems.

Learn to be Septic Smart

New trees coming to a city near you!

Thank you to the U.S. Forest Service for the historical investment towards our nation’s tree cover. FOTR is excited to partner with the City of Hamtramck to plant trees for a better River and a better world.

Learn More

Merriman Hollow Native Pollinator Garden: Volunteer on Saturdays

On Saturdays during September and October, from 9 am to 12 pm, join the fun at Merriman Hollow. Experience the award-winning native demonstration garden – a feast for your senses – as you volunteer to keep this pollinator hot spot vibrant. Join the fun on Hines Drive at the Merriman entrance between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren (the same entrance used for the December Holiday light show).