Greetings Melanie,
The biggest story of the week is Peche Island Day, which will be taking place on Saturday. The weather forecast is good, and all are welcome to come out and enjoy this fun event.
Peche Island Day
Saturday, July 7, 2007
The DRCC and the City of Windsor, in cooperation with the Citizens Environment Alliance and the Essex County Field Naturalists, are hosting Peche Island Day on Saturday, July 7, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Those wishing to make the crossing are encouraged to arrive between 10:00 and noon, because the last boat carrying passengers to the Island will depart at 1:00 p.m. While on the Island, you are invited to enjoy guided or self-guided tours and experience the beauty of this natural area. Bar-b- que lunch items will be available for purchase. Transportation to and from the Island will be by boats generously donated by the University of Windsor, BASF, Friends of the Detroit River/ Detroit Riverkeepers, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The goal of Peche Island Day is to celebrate and highlight the ecology, biodiversity, and history of the Island, which is an important part of the Detroit River ecosystem. Bald eagles have been making a comeback in the Detroit River watershed in recent years, and Peche Island is one of the eagles' known habitat sites. Few people are able to visit this unique Windsor natural area, but on this one day a year everyone is welcome to do so.
This event is free and open to all. Boats will be departing and returning throughout the event from Lakeview Park Marina, 9200 Riverside Drive East, Windsor (at the foot of Riverdale). For more information, call 519-982-3722 or email coulter@detroitriver.ca.
Ojibway Butterfly Count
Saturday, July 7, 2007
If you prefer to stay land-bound this Saturday, you may wish to participate in the Friends of Ojibway 13th annual Butterfly Tally. It begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 7 (volunteers should meet at the nature centre at 9), and runs for the whole day. The results will help provide a clearer picture about the size of the local butterfly population, and it is a great opportunity to get a close-up look at some of these beautiful insects. Lunch will be provided for volunteers. There is a $5 participation fee that supports the North American Butterfly Association. For more information call 519-966-5852.
- Ojibway Nature Centre web site
Summer Discovery Cruises
August 2-12, 2007 (additional dates available for St. Clair cruises)
The Michigan Sea Grant Extension program is again hosting its Summery Discovery Cruises on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. There are a variety of themed cruises to choose from, including the River of Time Island Cruise, Fish Tales, Flowing Ideas Art Cruise, and Pirates of the Sweetwater Seas. The Lake St. Clair themes also include Lighthouses and Photography. These cruises are a great bargain at only $15 USD for adults and $10 for kids. Most cruises are 2 hours long, but several 4-hour cruises are offered for only $5 more.
The lower Detroit River cruises will be departing from Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstown, Michigan, while the Lake St. Clair cruises depart from the Metro Beach Metropark in Mount Clemens, Michigan. Registration forms are available on the web site, and please remember that your registration isn't confirmed until they receive payment so be sure to include payment with you registration form. Some of these cruises are already full, so don't wait to register. Visit the web site for all the details and the sailing schedule.
Canard River Canoe Rentals
(there seems to be a nautical theme to this newsletter...)
Canoeing is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Canard River and its wildlife. The new River Canard Canoe Company provides quality (15-foot, 3- seat) canoes for hourly and daily rentals. During June, July, and August they are open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and during April, May, September, and October they are open the same hours on weekends, and weekdays by special arrangement. There are some canoes available for walk-ins, but if you want to guarantee your canoe it must be reserved in advance with a $20 deposit. Rental fees are $30 for 4-6 hours, and $60 for the full day. All canoes are equipped with lifevests and paddles.
The River Canard Canoe Company is located at 9407 Malden Road in River Canard. Arrangements can also be made to deliver canoes to other waterways in the area. For more information call Ron at 519-978- 3672 or email cchrwind@mnsi.net.
Summer Programs for Kids
Are your kids bored already? There are several environmentally-themed day camps in the area that might help to keep them entertained. Canada South Science City offers Summer Wonders Day Camps for $25 per day, $115 for a week. Some of the weekly themes include 'saving planet earth', water, 'creatures of the black lagoon', and 'bugs are beautiful'. Please call 519-973-3667 to book a place or for more information.
The Ojibway Nature Centre is also offering a variety of summer programs for kids from ages 2 to 12. In addition, they are hosting a Wildlife Tech program for kids from 13 to 15 years old who think that they might be interested in a career in wildlife or the environment. Costs for each program are listed on the web site. Please call 519-966-5852 to book a place or for more information.
- Canada South Science City web site
- Ojibway Nature Centre web site
Altered Eco - Environmental Art Exhibit
until July 28, 2007
Artcite Inc. is hosting "Altered Eco", an exhibition of environmentally-themed art until Saturday, July 28. The exhibition is on display at the gallery at 109 University Avenue West, Windsor. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m., or by appointment. For more information call 519-977-6564 or visit the web site.
Great Lakes Photo Contest
Deadline July 2, 2007
Amateur and professional photographers are invited by Great Lakes Forever and Budweiser to submit their photos of the Great Lakes. First place finishers in each category will receive a specially designed bicycle, and the top two winning photos will be featured on Budweiser beer coasters with Great Lakes awareness messages. The deadline for submitting photos is July 2. Visit the web site for contest rules and details about how to submit your photograph.
- Great Lakes Forever web site
Environmental Job Postings
Earth Day Canada is seeking a Program Manager for the ecoMentors program. This full-time position is based in Toronto, and is a 1-year contract with the possibility for renewal. Application deadline is July 13.
The Big Cove YMCA Camp is seeking fall Outdoor Education Staff. These 2-month contract positions are based in Thorburn, Nova Scotia, and food and accommodations are included. Program areas include earth education, canoeing, high and low ropes, and others.
The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority is seeking an Environmental Planner. This full-time position is based in Wroxeter, Ontario. Application deadline is July 13.
The Trees Ontario Foundation is seeking a Manager of Communications. This full-time position is based in Toronto, and is a 1-year contract position with the possibility for renewal. Trees Ontario is also seeking a full-time Event Coordinator for a 4-6 month contract. They welcome new college or university graduates who are looking for their first opportunity to apply for this position.
The Canadian Environmental Network is seeking a Communications Coordinator. You must be fully bilingual to be considered. This full-time position is based in Ottawa. Application deadline is July 18.
The Clean Air Foundation is seeking a Manager for its Solar Program. This full-time position is based in Toronto. Application deadline is July 12.
- ecoMentors Program Manager posting
- Big Cove Camp postings
- Maitland Conservation Authority posting
- Trees Ontario postings
- Canadian Environmental Network posting
- Solar Program Manager posting
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"Every creature is better alive than dead, men and moose and pine trees, and he who understands it aright will rather preserve its life than destroy it." Henry David Thoreau, "Chesuncook," The Maine Woods, 1848
email: postmaster@detroitriver.ca |