Rouge River cleanup this Saturday

Local volunteers needed to care for local parks and nature preserves

Detroit – Local non-profit Friends of the Rouge along with several community partners are looking for volunteers to clean trash from the Rouge River and improve local parks and nature preserves in the metro Detroit area on Saturday.

Volunteers may choose from 32 sites in 19 communities throughout Metro Detroit. Activities, which vary by site, may include river clean up, native planting, invasive plant removal, park maintenance and nature walks.

Recommended Videos



The annual river clean up event, Rouge Rescue, began in 1986 in an effort to restore Michigan's most urbanized watershed. When it rains in southeast Michigan, a majority of the drops that fall are not absorbed but run directly into the Rouge River, carrying pollutants with them.

Rouge Rescue helps to alleviate the effects of runoff by stabilizing stream banks and installing native plants whose deep root systems help to trap and clarify the water before it enters the river. Residents can assist the river's natural processes year round by disconnecting downspouts and directing them to rain barrels or rain gardens, minimizing paved surfaces and replacing lawn grass with plants with deep root systems.

Last year, Rouge Rescue volunteers removed 85 cubic yards of trash; including 9 shopping carts and 2 vehicles, and 198 cubic yards of invasive plants.

They also planted 3,960 native flowers and grasses and 60 trees and shrubs. "Without the help of volunteers, we would never be able to accomplish the great work we do every year," said Cyndi Ross, the River Restoration Program Manager for the Friends group. Through the effort of volunteers, the Rouge River has experienced successes such as increases in the numbers and species of fish as well as the development of a canoe route.
Volunteers should wear long sleeves and pants to protect themselves from poison ivy.

Helpful items to bring include: water, snacks, shoes or boots they don't mind getting dirty, hat, sunscreen, bug spray and a change of clothes (just in case).  Gloves and trash and/or compost bags will be provided along with "Rouge Rescue" t-shirts as available. 

Many of the sites are family-friendly.
Founded in 1986, Friends of the Rouge strives to educate, involve and collaborate with residents in order to improve the quality and appearance of the river through a variety of programs, including Rouge Rescue.  
 
Rouge Rescue Work Sites:  
Douglas Evans Nature Preserve, Beverly Hills
Date: Saturday
Time: 10 a.m.-Noon
Directions: Evergreen Road on west side of road between 13 Mile and 14 Mile Roads, Beverly Hills.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Focus on invasive plant removal and refuse removal as necessary. Nature walk and environmental education, clean up and invasive plant removal/weeding activities.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Erin Wilks
Sponsoring Organization: The Village of Beverly Hills
Phone: 248.646.6404 ext. 229
E-mail: ewilks@VillageBeverlyHills.com
 
City Parking Lot #6, Birmingham
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: On the east side of North Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009
Directions: Head north on North Old Woodward just north of Harmon Street.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Removal of invasive species, shrubs and buckthorn. Registration at 8:30. Lunch will be provided to volunteers.
Volunteers needed: 40
Coordinator/Sponsoring Organization:
Connie Folk, City of Birmingham
Phone: 248.530.1642
E-mail: Cfolk@bhamgov.org
 
Meadows of Canton, Canton
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Directions: Lotz Road/Finley Street (On Lotz between Palmer and Cherry Hill), Canton 48188. Registration tent at Lotz Road between Cherry Hill and Palmer Road.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: River clean up, storm drain stenciling, bug hunt (Benthic Program), environmental education with display, nature walk, mercury thermometer exchange and bird house building activities.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Keshav Raizada
Sponsoring Organization: Meadows of Canton
Phone: 313.999.6256
E-mail: kraizada@sbcglobal.net
 
Rivers Edge, Canton
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Directions: Meet by the pond near the corner of Gold Ridge and High Meadow Crossing, Canton 48188
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteers needed: All are welcome
Coordinator: Maureen Rice
E-mail: mrice2626@sbcglobal.net
 
Workman Elementary Habitat, Canton
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: 250 Denton Road, Canton 48187
Directions: Workman Elementary is located at the corner of Cherry Hill and Denton Rds.  From Ford Rd., take Ridge Rd. south. It will become Denton.  The school is on the left, just past the fire station.  Please check in at the west parking lot (next to the playground).
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Invasive plant removal (clover and teasel), weeding and trash removal, native flower plantings. 
Volunteers needed: All are welcome
Coordinator: Workman PTO, Lisa Bank
Sponsoring Organization: Workman Elementary School
E-mail:  lbank1@emich.edu
 
Lower Rouge Recreational Trail, Canton Township
Date: Saturday
Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: Parking lot is north of Michigan Avenue on Morton Taylor Road.
Directions: Heading west from I275, turn north or right onto Morton Taylor Road and follow dirt road to parking area and trail head.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Learn about the environment; especially healthy rivers. Remove invasive species, Michigan Mountain Biker Presentation, Leslie Science Center Demonstration, nature scavenger hunt, trail hikes, trail clean-up and build birdhouses. Bounce house. Lunch will be provided.
Volunteers needed: 250
Coordinator: Anne Naszradi
Sponsoring Organization: Canton Township
Phone: 734.397.5150
E-mail: anaszradi@canton-mi.org
 
Ford Field Greenway Trail, Dearborn
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: Brady Street north of Michigan Avenue, Dearborn 48128
Directions: From Michigan Avenue, take Brady Street approximately 1/2 mile north. Ford Field is located on the west side of Brady Street just south of Cherry Hill Road. Look for the Rouge Rescue banner for registration.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Invasive plant removal, weeding, park maintenance, river clean up.
Volunteers needed: 20
Coordinator: Thomas Trimble
Sponsoring Organization: Christ Episcopal Church-Dearborn
Phone: 313.414.6277
E-mail: mars@americanmars.com
 
Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Address: 5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn 48128
Directions: Evergreen Road just south of Ford Road. Meet at the Gateway Trail at the back of campus.
Volunteer Project: Remove invasive garlic mustard and buckthorn, native plantings. 
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Sam Greco
Sponsoring Organization: Henry Ford Community College
E-mail: sgreco@hfcc.edu
 

University of Michigan - Dearborn
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn 48128
Directions: The Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC) is located in the northwest corner of campus, at the corner of Montieth Boulevard and Fairlane Drive.  Volunteers should park in the parking structure nearby and walk to the EIC.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Project: Japanese knotweed stomp.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinators: Sydney Parmenter and Jill Lucas
Sponsoring Organization: University of Michigan-Dearborn Environmental Health & Safety and Emergency Management
Phone: Sydney: 313.593.5061; Jill: 313.792.9621
E-mail: sydparm@umd.umich.edu ; jlucas@therouge.org
 
Parkland Park, Dearborn Heights
Date: 6/1/2013
Time: Saturday
Address: 6500 Parkland Street
Directions: Meet at entrance off Ann Arbor Trail, east of Outer Drive.
Volunteer Projects: Registration at 8:30 AM. Weeding, clean up of three native plant gardens and trash pick-up.  Bring garden shovels and strong garden rakes if you have them.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Steven Roberts
Sponsoring Organization: Dearborn Heights Watershed Stewards Commission
Phone: 313.292.1784
 
Eliza Howell Park, Detroit
Date: Saturday
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Address: Fenkell Road, just east of Telegraph, Detroit
Directions: A flag pole will be placed at the park entrance.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Native flower plantings at entrance of park and at the footbridge, nature walk/environmental education and cleanup activities.
Volunteers needed: 80
Coordinator: Larry Quarles
Sponsoring Organization: Friends of Eliza Howell Park
Phone: 248.569.2196
E-mail: larryquarles1@comcast.net
 
Rouge Park, Detroit
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: Joy Rd & Spinoza (22000 Joy Rd), Detroit 48239
Directions: Joy Road between Telegraph & Evergreen.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Garbage clean up, invasive removal, planting.
Volunteers needed: 300
Coordinator: Sally Petrella
Sponsoring Organization: Friends of Rouge Park
Phone: 313.799.FORP
E-mail: spetrella@therouge.org
 
St. Paul of the Cross Retreat, Detroit
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Address: 23333 Schoolcraft, Detroit 48223
Directions: Schoolcraft between Outer Drive & Telegraph. Meet at the Retreat Center.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Trash removal, brush removal, tree trimming.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Bernadette Beach
Sponsoring Organization: St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat & Conference Center
Phone: 313.286.2810
E-mail: bbeach@passionist.org
 
Shiawassee Park, Farmington
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: Powers Road north of Grand River Ave, Farmington
Directions: The Park is located at Shiawassee and Powers Roads. Park in the small parking lot off Powers Road (near the tennis courts).
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Weeding a native buffer planting and invasive plant removal (Garlic Mustard and Dame's Rocket) along the river corridor.
Volunteers needed: 25
Coordinators: Lisa Lytle & Martha Ross
Sponsoring Organization: Friends of the Rouge Volunteers
Phone: 313.792.9621
E-mail: cross@therouge.org
 
Botsford Commons Senior Community, Farmington Hills
Date:Saturday
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Address: 21450 Archwood Circle, Farmington Hills 48336
Directions: Located between Middlebelt and Orchard Lake roads; north of 8 Mile; south of M-5 and Grand River.
Family Friendly: No
Volunteer Projects: Trash clean up, woody debris management.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinators: Dave Comiskey, Maureen O'Connell, Mike Coggins
Sponsoring Organization: Botsford Commons Senior Community
Phone: 248.426.6940
E-mail: dcomiskey@botsford.org OR moconnell@botsford.org
 
Canterbury Commons Subdivision, Farmington Hills
Date: Saturday
Time: 10 a.m.-Noon
Directions: Northeast of 13 Mile and Farmington Rd., enter subdivision at Fox Grove Rd.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Native planting.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Robert Elliott
Sponsoring Organization: Canterbury Commons Subdivision
Phone: 248.670.1169  
E-mail: belliott0@yahoo.com
 
Heritage Park, Farmington Hills
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Address: 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills 48336
Directions: Heritage Park is located on Farmington Road, between 10 Mile and 11 Mile Roads.  The entrance to the park is on the west side of Farmington Rd.  Once inside the park follow the pavement to the Visitor Center building and lot.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Cleaning debris in and around the river, removing buckthorn, native planting.
Volunteers needed: 60-70
Coordinator: Randy Lovett
Sponsoring Organization: City of Farmington Hills
Phone: 248.231.8469
E-mail: RLovett@fhgov.com
 
Oakland Community College Orchard Ridge Campus, Farmington Hills
Date: Saturday
Time: 8:30 a.m.- Noon
Address: 27055 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills 48334
Directions: Enter from Farmington Road. The check-in is located behind Building H on the West end of campus.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Pick up debris along Minnow Creek/Drain and at two connecting ponds. Woody debris management and cleanup activities.
Volunteers needed: 50
Coordinator: Mike Kadrofske
Sponsoring Organization:  Oakland Community College
Phone: 248.522.3405
E-mail: mkkadrof@oaklandcc.edu
 
Coventry Gardens Park, Livonia
Date: Saturday
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Address: Corner of Rayburn and Stamford, Livonia 48154
Directions: Park is three blocks west of Farmington Rd. and two blocks north of Five Mile. Park pavilion is visible from corner of Rayburn and Stamford.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Invasive plant removal, weeding, park maintenance.
Volunteers needed: 15
Coordinator: Chuck Eastman
Sponsoring Organization: Coventry Gardens Improvement Association
Phone: 734.502.8564
Website: www.coventrygardenslivonia.com  
Moelke Park, Livonia
Date: Saturday
Time: 8:30-11 a.m.
Address: 19444 Lathers, Livonia 48152
Directions: Moelke Park and Hearthstone Nature Preserve is located north of Seven Mile Rd and west of Inkster Rd.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Invasive species removal, trash removal, woody debris management, and (if possible) native plantings.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Doug Moore & Amy Walker
Sponsoring Organization: City of Livonia
Phone: 734.466.2655
 
Allen Drive Park, Northville
Date: Saturday
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: Novi Street (not Novi Rd) at Allen Drive
Directions: This site is just northwest of 8 Mile and Novi Roads. Park along Novi Street and walk back to the river just north of 8 Mile.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: TBD
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Callie Milroy
Sponsoring Organization: City of Northville resident
 
Mill Race Village, Northville
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: 215 Griswold Avenue, Northville 48167
Directions: On Griswold between E Main St and 8 Mile Rd. Parking lot located on the west side of Griswold.  Meet in front of the Cady House.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Invasive plant removal, weeding, park maintenance, native planting, mulching.
Volunteers needed: 30
Coordinator: Edward Gabrys
Sponsoring Organization: Northville Historical Society
Phone:  248.348.1845
E-mail: mrv1845@yahoo.com
 
Northville Twp Fire Station, Northville Township
Date: Saturday
Time:  9 a.m.-Noon
Address: 45745 Six Mile Road, Northville 48168 
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Create a rain garden.
Volunteers needed: 40
Coordinator: Tom Casari
Sponsoring Organization: Northville Township
E-mail: tcasari@twp.northville.mi.us
 
Rotary Park, Novi
Date: Saturday
Time: 10 a.m.-Noon
Address: 22220 Roethel Drive, Novi 48375
Directions: South of 9 Mile Road between Novi Road and Meadowbrook Road.
Family Friendly: No
Volunteer Projects: Hand tools and shovels are recommended. Planting, pruning, weeding, trail clearing, mulching, and river clean up. Volunteers receive a picnic lunch at noon from Novi Rotary Club.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Wendy DuVall
Sponsoring Organization: City of Novi, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services. No pre-registration required, visit cityofnovi.org for more information.
Phone: 248.347.0400
 
Woods Drive Area of Hines Parkway, Plymouth
Date: Saturday
Time: 8 a.m.-Noon
Address: 42401 Edward Hines Drive, Plymouth 48170
Directions: The Plymouth Riverside Comfort Station is on the north side of Edward Hines Dr. near the intersection of Edward Hines Dr. and Riverside Dr.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Native planting, woody debris management, invasive plant removal/weeding/park maintenance, river clean up, storm drain stenciling.  Free lunch for volunteers at noon.
Volunteers needed: 95
Coordinators: Adam Gerlach & Collin McCammon
Sponsoring Organization: City of Plymouth
Phone:  734.453.7737
E-mail: msd@ci.plymouth.mi.us
 
Pointe Park, Plymouth Township
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 -11 a.m.
Directions: Intersection of Ann Arbor Road and Ann Arbor Trail.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Project: Native plantings along the creek.
Coordinator: Susan Vignoe
Sponsoring Organization: Charter Township of Plymouth
Phone: 734.354.3270 Ext 4
E-mail: svignoe@plymouthtwp.org
 
Lola Valley Park, Redford Township
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: 16100 Lola Drive (Approx. from Google Maps)
Directions: On the east side of Lola Drive at Puritan Ave. Park. Meet at the CSO basin.  Registration between 9:00-9:30.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Details to come.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinators/Sponsoring Organizations:
Erin Cassady, Friends of the Rouge
Justin Wehrheim, Friends of the Rouge Volunteer
Phone: 313.792.9626
E-mail: ecassady@therouge.org
 
Redford Chiropractic, Redford Township
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: 24865 5 Mile Road, Suite 3, Redford 48239
Directions: 1/2 mile west of Telegraph Road.
Family Friendly: No
Volunteer Projects: River clean up.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Dr. Kim M. Zell
Sponsoring Organization: Redford Chiropractic
Phone: 313.531.2800
E-mail: kmzdc@yahoo.com
 
Beech Woods Recreation Center, Southfield
Date: Saturday
Time: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: 22200 Beech Road, Southfield 48304
Directions: Beech Road south of 9 mile.
Family Friendly: No
Volunteer Projects: Woody debris management and trash removal. Kids 13 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Brandy Siedlaczek
Sponsoring Organization: City of Southfield
Phone: 248.796.4806
E-mail: bsiedlaczek@cityofsouthfield.com
 
Berberian Woods, Southfield
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Address: 28415 Streamwood, Southfield 48034
Directions: From 12 mile, head south on Streamwood - a residential street halfway between Telegraph and Lahser. Go to the end of the cul de sac, walk down the lane to the beautiful new bridge over the Rouge.
Family Friendly:Yes
Volunteer Project: Invasive plant removal, primarily garlic mustard and Dame's rocket. Working children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Volunteers needed: 30
Coordinators: Heather Huffstutler & Gail Barber
Sponsoring Organization: Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy
Phone: 248.601.2816
E-mail: hhuffstutler@sixriversrlc.org
 
DENSO, Southfield
Date: Saturday
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Address: 24777 DENSO Drive, Southfield 48086
Volunteer Project: Woody debris management, invasive plant removal, native planting.
Volunteers needed: DENSO employee worksite (not open to public)
Coordinator: Melissa Smith
Sponsoring Organization: DENSO International America, Inc.
 
Goudy Park, Wayne
Date: Saturday
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: Sims Avenue & Wayne Rd., Wayne
Directions: Meet at the City Hall parking lot on the east side of Wayne Rd just north of Michigan Avenue.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Projects: Trash clean up in river and park, building benches using dead ash trees, trail maintenance, building butterfly gardens and flower areas around the benches, woody debris management, nature walk, invasive species management (garlic mustard, etc.).
Volunteers needed: All welcome
Coordinator: Kurt Kuban
Sponsoring Organization: Resident of Wayne
Phone: 734.716.0783
E-mail: kkuban@hometownlife.com
 
Kosch Headwaters Preserve, Ypsilanti
Date: Saturday
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Address: 3268 N Prospect Rd., Ypsilanti 48198 (Mailing address for directions)
Directions: From M-14: Take Ford Road (M-153) exit 10, eastbound. Head east to the corner of Ford and Prospect. Turn right (south) onto Prospect. Entrance and parking is on the east side of Prospect Road, south of Ford and north of Cherry Hill.
Family Friendly: Yes
Volunteer Project: Garlic mustard removal.
Volunteers needed: 20
Coordinators: Carla Bisaro
Sponsoring Organization: Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, Superior Land Conservancy Chapter
Phone: 734.484.0074
E-mail: ckbisaro@comcast.net
 
Rouge River Watershed Facts

The Rouge watershed is approximately 466 square miles in area.  (A watershed is the area of land that drains into a river system or network of rivers.)
All or part of 48 communities are located in the Rouge watershed, which includes parts of Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw counties. These 48 communities have a combined population of nearly 2.5 million people.
The Rouge River has a total of 126 river miles and consists of four major branches (the Main, Upper, Middle & Lower) and the Main Stem.
The Rouge flows into the Detroit River, which is a major source of drinking water for many southeastern Michigan residents.