Volunteers (like you!) are the people who make it possible to restore and protect your Rouge River right here in southeast Michigan. No special skill or experience is required. See upcoming volunteer opportunities below, or explore further below for links to program pages to find out how you can join the effort to protect and restore the Rouge River. Friends of the Rouge is able to accomplish so much with the help of thousands of volunteers every year. We offer both one day and long-term volunteer projects. Please use the links to learn more.
If you don’t see the volunteer opportunity you are looking for, check back in and find the opportunity that is just right for you!
Other Volunteer Opportunities- Become a Community Scientist!
Our River Monitoring program engages residents to become community scientists, collecting data about the health of the watershed through biological indicator species (bugs, frogs, fish, etc.) that reflect the long-term health of the watershed. As water quality improves, bugs frogs and fish are returning.
Share Your Rouge Story
FOTR wants to recognize and appreciate your efforts. You are invited to submit your Rouge story on our website and highlight any experience with our organization that you would like to share. By telling your story, you inspire others to get involved and emphasize the importance of community and environmental stewardship.
Want to be more involved in the FOTR bug hunts? Become a team leader! If you have attended at least […]
Join your Friends at the 2026 Spring Bug Hunt! Volunteers visit sites throughout the headwaters of the watershed and search […]
Interested in trying paddling for the first time? Looking to improve on your paddling skills? Join us on April 25th […]
As we celebrate 40 years of restoring, protecting, and enhancing the Rouge River watershed, we invite you to join us […]