This Earth Day feels a bit different from years past. With uncertainty related to federal funding, it’s more important than ever for communities to come together at the local level to drive meaningful change. This Earth Day acts as a powerful reminder of the impact of collective action when local governments, businesses, the private sector, and citizens work together to develop projects and policies that support natural resources. Each challenge presents an opportunity; in this case, it is a chance for communities in Southeast Michigan to lead locally and be the driving force behind a greener future.
Here in Southeast Michigan, that collaborative approach is reflected through a number of local events and initiatives, including our annual One Water campaign.
Connecting Communities Through One Water
SEMCOG is working closely with our membership and regional watershed councils in Southeast Michigan as part of the annual One Water campaign. The campaign focuses on the shared responsibility to protect and enhance our water resources and also highlights the everyday actions to make a difference. The campaign coincides with Great Lakes and Freshwater Week, running from May 31 to June 8. Communities and watershed councils will offer One Water branded giveaway items at various water-themed events to promote the importance of our shared responsibility inprotecting water resources and encouraging safe recreation.
Below are some events that watershed councils across Southeast Michigan are hosting, before, during, and after Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week (GLFWW). View the full list of events on our One Water website.
Before GLFWW:
- April 26: GrowHamtramck – Veterans Park Tree Planting – Friends of the Rouge
- April 27: Earth Day in the PARC – Friends of the Rouge
- April 28: Rain Garden Design Workshop – Clinton River Watershed Council
- May 3: Stream Team Spring Monitoring Field Day – Friends of the St. Clair River
- May 6 and 7: Spring Detroit River Water Festival – Friends of the Detroit River
- May 13: Lake St. Clair Water Festival – Clinton River Watershed Council
- May 17: Native Plant Sale – Friends of the Rouge
- May 18: Huron River Day – Huron River Watershed Council
- May 30: Native Plant Sale – River Raisin Watershed Council
During GLFWW:
- June 7: Blue Water Sturgeon Festival – Friends of the St. Clair River
- June 7: River Day – Clinton River Watershed Council
- June 7: Canton River Days – Friends of the Rouge
After GLFWW:
- June 22: National Canoe Day – Friends of the Rouge
While Great Lakes and Freshwater Week takes place in June, there are opportunities all year long to volunteer and help protect our region’s freshwater resources. Use the map below to find your watershed and explore ways to get involved through your local watershed organization.
Watershed Partnerships Map
- Alliance of Downriver Watersheds
- Alliance of Rouge Communities (ARC)
- Friends of the Rouge
- Friends of the Detroit River
- The River Raisin Watershed Council
- The Huron River Watershed Council
- The Clinton River Watershed Council
- Friends of the St. Clair River Watershed
Stay tuned for more details on this year’s One Water campaign, there’s plenty more to come! In the meantime, be a responsible steward of Earth: take time to enjoy its beauty and do your part to protect its natural resources.
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