Join the DRCC and partners on May 14 2026 at the Ojibway Nature Centre from 5pm to 7pm for a special celebration as a new recovery milestone was met for the Detroit River.

The event will highlight the monitoring and research efforts that were undertaken for six indicator species of the Detroit River ecosystem. The Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) #5 was submitted to the federal and provincial governments for change in status from impaired to not impaired in March 2025. In summary, six studies on were completed since 2008 including Northern Leopard Frogs, Black-crowned Night-Herons, Snapping Turtles, Double-crested Cormorants and Herring Gulls and Tree Swallows. Overall. there is little evidence for impairment on reproduction associated with contaminant-induced effects within the AOC. In June 2025, BUI #5 was redesignated to ‘not impaired’.

The event is nature focused to celebrate the tremendous diversity of the Detroit River system, showcase a thriving healthy river system and to highlight various groups working towards the restoration of the river. Information about the research and monitoring will be provided in the community room of the Ojibway Nature Centre as well as light snacks, refreshments, nature themed displays and other activities. A hike through the trails will be hosted by a local naturalist.

Dress for the weather, mid-May in the evening can bring a wide range of conditions ranging from wet, cool, dry and warm. This event is for all ages and family friendly. All are welcome, please take a moment to RSVP so the DRCC team can arrange for snacks and refreshments appropriately.

The Detroit River shoreline in Sandwich has been transformed through decades of restoration, stewardship, and community action. At McKee Park, shoreline improvements in 2003/04 created rock islands, a submerged reef, and sand-and-cobble habitat to protect the embayment from strong currents while enhancing fish spawning and feeding areas—particularly for young Lake Sturgeon. Additional projects at Queen’s Dock Park and Brock Park have introduced naturalized shorelines, root wad fish habitat, native plant rain gardens, and expanded urban tree canopy. Community efforts have removed thousands of pounds of litter, planted hundreds of native trees, and delivered hands-on environmental experiences that strengthen both habitat and neighbourhood resilience. 

These local efforts are part of a larger story of renewal along the Detroit River—the first and only river to receive both Canadian and American Heritage River designations in 2001. Once heavily polluted during rapid industrialization, the river was designated a Great Lakes Area of Concern under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, prompting coordinated cleanup through the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) and its partners. Through habitat restoration, pollution prevention, scientific monitoring, and cross-border collaboration, the river continues its remarkable recovery—demonstrating how strong partnerships, community leadership, and environmental stewardship can restore a globally significant waterway.