THE CURRENT

A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about the Detroit River.

Message from the RAP Coordinator

I recently participated in a learn-to-sail Women's Sailing Adventure at the LaSalle Mariner's Yacht Club and it gave me even more appreciation for the tremendous recreation opportunities the Detroit River provides. Take a boat tour this summer, join the Windsor Essex County Canoe Club, or hike the City of Windsor's Riverfront Trail. Post a picture to our Facebook page or send us an email and tell us about your summer experience on the river!

As always, we love to hear from you. If you have any upcoming events, questions, or feedback, please email postmaster@detroitriver.ca.

Claire Sanders

Remedial Action Plan Coordinator

Detroit River Canadian Cleanup

DRCC's 5th Annual Detroit River Evening

The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup's 5th annual Detroit River Evening was held on June 16 at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER). The event was a huge success, with close to 70 people in attendance - our most well-attended annual meeting yet! Updates on projects aimed at restoring and protecting the Detroit River were given, and well-received, stimulating many questions from the audience. Special thanks to Jon Bondy, our guest speaker, who spoke of his lifelong experiences on the Detroit River and shared observations of the improvements he has witnessed first-hand. Thanks to all who came out!

Bringing Conservation to Cities

"Bringing Conservation to Cities: Lessons from Building the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge," written by Dr. John Hartig, emphasizes the importance of reconnecting urban residents to nature. Dr. Hartig, Refuge Manager for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, shares the Detroit River's amazing story of ecological recovery and hopes to inspire a generation of "urban conservationists." In his book, he describes the numerous opportunities present for urban conservation, as well as some of the challenges, and stresses the value of cooperation and creating innovative partnerships.

The book can be purchased on Amazon, and is also available from Michigan State University Press or the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society.

Help Catalogue Species at the Ojibway Prairie BioBlitz, 2015

The Ojibway Prairie Complex is an ecologically important area within the Detroit River watershed with incredible biodiversity! The inaugural Ojibway Prairie BioBlitz - an event aimed at cataloguing as many species as possible within a 24-hour period - was held last year and over 1100 species were identified. This year's Ojibway Prairie BioBlitz will be held on July 18-19 and we could use your help to beat last year's record. The BioBlitz team is looking for participants, as well as volunteers to help run the event. There are also fishing opportunities, as a portion of the Detroit River is included in the survey area. If you are interested in helping highlight the incredible biodiversity in our region, please consider participating in this year's Blitz.

Location: Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor, ON
Date/time: Saturday, July 18, 11:00 a.m.-Sunday, July 19, 11:00 a.m.

The event is free and sure to be fun for the whole family, complete with guided hikes and live demos. For more information, or to register for the event, visit: www.essexcountynature.com. Hope to see you there!

The US and Canada Release Draft Phosphorus Load Reduction Targets to Combat Lake Erie Algae Blooms

The Governments of Canada and the United States have launched consultations on Recommended Binational Phosphorus targets to combat Lake Erie algae blooms. As you may be aware, to combat the growing threat of toxic and nuisance algae development in Lake Erie, Canada and the United States have committed, through the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, to develop revised binational phosphorus load reduction targets for Lake Erie by February, 2016.

Canada and the United States are consulting on the draft phosphorus load reduction targets for Lake Erie through respective engagement platforms. Canadian consultations, both on-line and through face-to-face meetings with stakeholders, will run until July 31st, 2015. For further information on the Canadian consultations, please visit http://www.nutrientsbinational.net/

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

The Detroit River in the news....here are some relevant, external links to news articles that may pique your interest. Click on the link to read on.

Get ready for Lake St. Clair and Detroit River muskies (June 1)
Weeding the way to walleye (June 3)
Crew searches for sea lamprey larvae in Detroit River (June 6)
Paddler on journey from New York City to Chicago stops in Detroit (June 17)
Five things to know about waste water (June 20)
International tug boat race: Full speed ahead (June 23)

Upcoming Events

Save the date for these great local events! Please ensure you contact the organizer for more information.

BIOBLITZ VOLUNTEER MEETING

July 8, 2015: 7:30pm

Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor

Anyone interested in helping with the 2015 Ojibway Prairie BioBlitz is invited to the BioBlitz Volunteer Meeting! We'll be going over tasks and any necessary preparations for the Blitz. Hope to see you there!

SUMMER SCIENCE DAY CAMP

July 2-August 28, 2015: 9:00am-5:00pm

Canada South Science City, 930 Marion Avenue, Windsor

Summer Science Day Camp is designed for ages 5-12. Kids have fun discovering science through structured play. Early drop-off and late pickup available. Cost is $25/child/day.

JUNIOR NATURALISTS PROGRAM

July 8-August 26, 2015: Wednesdays, 9:30am-12:00pm

Point Pelee National Park

Calling all young naturalists! Want to explore Point Pelee and learn about the plants and animals that call it home? Join a park interpreter for a weekly program throughout the summer, from paddling the marsh to restoring the savannah habitat, you'll learn about how to help protect the park for the future. Cost: $68.70/child (7-11 years). Register early to guarantee your spot. For more information, contact: 519-322-2365 ext. 0.

NATIVE PLANT DEMONSTRATION GARDEN CLEAN UPS

July 11, 2015: River Canard Park 9:00am-11:00am
July 11, 2015: Turkey Creek Native Plant Demonstration Garden 6:00pm-8:00pm

Come and learn about native plants while helping do a little maintenance and weeding at one of two native plant demonstration gardens. For more information or directions to the gardens, please contact Laura at: ercanativegardens@gmail.com

CEA STATE OF THE DETROIT RIVER BOAT TOUR

July 11, 2015: noon-4:00pm

Tour includes lunch and expert narration about the Detroit River's environmental hot spots and unique fish and wildlife habitats. This is an excellent opportunity to see why we must continue to value this special river and do what we can to protect it. Contact: ceaadmin@cogeco.net or call 519-973-1116.

POINT PELEE DAY CAMP

English Camps - July 13-14 & August 10-12, 2015: 8:00am-5:00pm
French Camps - July 27-29: 8:00am-5:00pm
Point Pelee National Park, Leamington

Become a nature explorer this summer at Point Pelee National Park. Canoe, bike, swim and learn about the wonders of Point Pelee. Get up close to the lizards, snakes, turtles and birds that call the park home. Have fun while you learn why it's important to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Snacks provided. Cost: $147/child (7-11 years). Register early to guarantee your spot. For more information, contact: 519-322-2365 ext. 0.

OJIBWAY PRAIRIE BIOBLITZ

July 18-19, 2015: 11:00am-11:00am
Ojibway Nature Centre, 5200 Matchette Road, Windsor

This Ojibway Prairie Complex is an ecologically important area within the Detroit River watershed with incredible biodiversity - home to nearly 4000 species! The inaugural Ojibway Prairie BioBlitz - an event aimed at cataloguing as many species as possible within a 24-hour period - was held last year and over 1100 species were identified. This year's BioBlitz will be held on July 18-19 and we could use your help to beat last year's record. The BioBlitz team is looking for participants, as well as volunteers to help run the event. The Blitz begins at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, and family activities begin at noon.

INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

July 18-19, 2015
Lakewood North Park, 13399 Riverside Drive East, Tecumseh

This event has seen over 100 unified and passionate teams, with thousands of paddlers, who have raised and donated 1.9 million dollars for much needed equipment in local hospitals. Time - check online for schedule. Admission - free to spectators. For more information, call 519-739-9588 or visit www.dragonboatsonline.com.

ERCA GOLF TOURNAMENT

July 23, 2015: 12:30pm-5:00pm

Ambassador Golf Club, 1025 Sprucewood Ave., Windsor

All proceeds from this tournament will continue to support the protection of the significant natural resources of the Essex Region. As a result of past success, the Chrysler Canada Greenway, Spring Garden Complex and LaSalle Woods have been protected for generations to come. Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.

EXPLORE THE SHORE

July 25-July 26, 2015: 11:00am-5:00pm

An open-house event along County Road 50 involving 25 participating businesses, including conservation areas, wineries, farms, restaurants and gift shops. Holiday Beach Conservation Area and the John R. Park Homestead will be participating. Find out more at www.exploretheshore.ca.

Job Postings

These postings are for jobs at various locations with varying deadlines. Please click on the job title to view job details. Contact the listed agency in the job ad for more information.

Marsh Services Attendant - Friends of Point Pelee, Leamington, ON (Closing Date: not specified)
Lifeguard - Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, St. Thomas, ON (Closing Date: until positions hired)
Director of Natural and Heritage Resources - Government of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, Old Crow, YT (Closing Date: July 3, 2015)
Water Resources Specialist - North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, North Bay, ON (Closing Date: July 3, 2015)
Environmental Outreach Specialist - Credit Valley Conservation Authority, Mississauga, ON (Closing Date: July 5, 2015)
Fish and Wildlife Section Head - BC Public Service, Smithers, BC (Closing Date: July 5, 2015)
Manager - Health, Safety and Wellness - Conservation Halton, Burlington, ON (Closing Date: July 5, 2015)
Forester - Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, Port Hope, ON (Closing Date: July 8, 2015)
Superintendent of Nursery Operations - Grand River Conservation Authority, Burford, ON (Closing Date: July 10, 2015)
Geotechnical Engineer - Klohn Crippen Berger, Vancouver, BC (Closing Date: July 29, 2015)
Chef - Lazy Bear Lodge, Churchill, MB (Closing Date: July 31, 2015)
Senior Risk Assessor/Toxicologist - Keystone Environmental, Vancouver, BC (Closing Date: July 31, 2015)
Various opportunities at Ontario Conservation Authorities

Stay Connected

311-360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, ON� 519-92-3722
postmaster@detroitriver.ca

www.detroitriver.ca

The DRCC initiative is a partnership between government, industry, academics, as well as environmental and community organizations that work together to improve the Detroit River ecosystem through a Remedial Action Plan. Our main goal is to

remove the River from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern.