Diane Martin braves the fast flowing water… and wisely wears a life jacket! credit: John Lloyd

A wet and wild spring

On April 20, teams of HRWC volunteers poured from our office and explored the Huron Watershed in search of aquatic insects, snails, clams, and crustaceans. The data that these volunteers collect enables HRWC to keep a finger on the pulse of the Huron River and it’s tributaries; to understand where streams are degrading and where they are getting better.

This year’s event was marked by very high water, just like our Spring Roundup in 2011. And just like in 2011, data interpretation has been difficult.  The data collected from a River Roundup are meant to show overall conditions across the watershed and be comparable to past year’s data in order to tell us how things are changing over time.  In flooded conditions, the stream systems are not comparable to past years, often because the volunteers are forced to sample in an unusual manner (like standing on the bank and reaching into the swollen river rather than entering it).

QAPPs are useful- yes, seriously!

HRWC follows a quality assurance project plan (QAPP) to make sure that we deal with the issue of bad samples in a consistent manner.

Fleming Creek along Galpin Road had overtopped the banks and flooded the neighboring yards. The team was not able to sample here and moved on to a different location. credit: Dick Chase

From the QAPP:

“The resulting measures of Total Insect Taxa for each site will be compared to the median from the site’s whole data record and there should be a relative percent difference of less than 40%.  The same comparison will be made for Total Abundance (for all taxa).

Sample results that exceed these standards will be noted as “outliers” and examined to determine if the results are likely due to sampling error or a true environmental variation.  If sampling error is determined or if the environmental variation is not reflective of normal conditions (ie extreme flooding), the data point shall be removed from the data record.”

13 samples were removed from the official data record for failing to meet these requirements. The rejected samples had on average total abundances 50% less than the median of past results, and coincidentally 50% less insect diversity than the median of past results. (We would expect these two numbers to be related but it is strange that they are exactly the same).

2 samples were at new sites where past data didn’t exist to test results against the QAPP

South Ore Creek flows fast and high! credit: John Lloyd

requirements, but volunteer descriptions make it plain that the sites could not be sampled properly. These samples were also rejected.

27 samples were accepted. For all accepted samples, total abundance was down 20%, and insect diversity was only down 14% from the median of past results. This amount of variation is normal even in unflooded conditions.

You can see all the results in the Spring 2013 River Roundup Report.

Current Watershed Health

In a nutshell, the health of the watershed as judged by our macroinvertebrate sampling is holding steady. Of the 59 sites that we monitor to judge this, 28 sites have had no statistically significant changes over time, and 6 sites are too new to make this judgment.

13 sites are declining, and these include locations on Chilson Creek, Davis Creek, east branch of Fleming Creek, the Huron River at Flat Rock, Norton Creek, and South Ore Creek.  It should be pointed out, as it was after the 2012 Fall Roundup, that the majority (though not all) of the declining sites are in Livingston County.

12 sites are improving, including Boyden Creek, Horseshoe Creek, the main and west branches of Fleming Creek,  Huron Creek, the Huron River in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, and several places on Mill Creek. The majority (though not all) of the improving sites are in Washtenaw County.

What’s next?

The rejected samples aren’t thrown away.  They are placed into a separate database and flagged with the reason for their exclusion.  Such data may prove useful in the future- for example, quantifying the effect of high flows on macroinvertebrate populations… as a way at getting at how climate change could be changing our watershed.

Let’s hope for a drier fall- but if it is wet and flooded again- we know how to deal with it!

This past weekend we held our first Birding event, as well as, our first Paddle trip of the summer. We were delighted to have Dea Armtrong, Ann Arbor Ornithologist, at both of the events. Dea was able to offer insight through her expertise of the birds along the Huron River during the Birding event and the Paddle trip. Thanks to all of our participants in both events, Dea, and Huron River guides Ron Sell and Barry Lonik.

Friday, the Birding participants met at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. Dea led our walk throughout the park and guided participants to look and listen for local migratory birds. The range of Birding experience among participants varied from first timers, to seasoned veterans. Nearly forty birders used their eyes and ears to spot a variety of different birds. We are hosting another Birding event, June 8th - 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor, MI. By June, most of the migrant birds have moved on and those that are breeding are quite busy with feeding young. This activity is at its peak in the earlier morning hours, so we’ll hope to have a chance to see bird parenting in action.

Saturday, we traveled to Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Commerce Township, MI to meet at our put-in for the paddle trip. Our trip was led by Huron River guides Ron Sell and Barry Lonik. Dea came along with us as well, and helped point out the birds we would see during our trip down the Huron. About halfway through our trip we stopped at Heavner Canoe Rental for lunch. This gave us an opportunity to get better acquainted with each other, and participate in an impromptu Q & A session on river topics. After lunch we continued down river to our take-out at Milford Central Park in Milford, MI. Overall, the trip went very well and we had a lot of fun on the Huron. If you missed out on this paddle trip, you still have four more opportunities to explore the Huron River with HRWC this summer. A listing of all paddle trips is located on our Summer Events page through the link below.

Visit our Facebook Birding photo album HERE.

Visit our Facebook Paddle trip photo album HERE.

Visit our Summer Events page for information on all events HERE.

High Point Neighborhood in Seattle.

On Thursday, I met with 26 folks from around Washtenaw County to talk about how we can transform stormwater infrastructure from grey to green. In this first of our Growing Green Infrastructure Forums, we talked broadly about the differences between conventional grey stormwater infrastructure (the gutters, ditches and pipes) and green infrastructure (practices using natural landscapes to infiltrate stormwater runoff). We also differentiated the broadly planned green infrastructure (GI) approach from site-focused Low Impact Development (LID) (see our webpage on LID vs GI). Josh Miller, an HRWC intern this year, discussed barriers to GI development that he discovered in interviews and research over the last year. Finally, I gave the group some maps of the watershed in Washtenaw County with GI opportunity areas identified and asked them to think about what was possible in each of their jurisdictions.

Rain garden swales below a residential community garden.

There was quite a bit of good discussion about what is possible and what is holding GI development back. It was clear from the discussion that the GI approach to stormwater management is being applied all around us and throughout the country. There is ample information about the water quality, aesthetic and economic benefits of the GI approach, and its applicability in the upper midwest. However, local examples need to be better promoted and policies and funding mechanisms like stormwater utilities need to be used more broadly.

Curb cut connecting to rain garden extensions.

All the discussion got me to thinking about a trip my family and I just took to Seattle and Vancouver earlier this Spring. There, GI is the norm rather than the exception for new projects and redevelopment. Neighborhoods around the city are vibrant, active and becoming even greener than they were (see photos). People there strongly identify with and take advantage of their connection with water, and this mindset drives their commitment to address what, according to the US EPA, is the greatest source of water pollution in the country — stormwater runoff. Sure, the Emerald City is not SE Michigan, but as Scott Dierks said at the Forum, “rain is the same, good-draining soils are the same, and deep-rooted plants all crave water the same.”

It is time for us to acknowledge that Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago and Milwaukee are no longer the exceptions, and get to work greening our stormwater systems. Those who participated in the Forum are making a good start in their communities in Washtenaw County.

Phragmites is an invasive grass forming dense stands in wet areas of the Huron River watershed

For this edition of News to Us, learn about water pollution issues related to septic systems in Michigan and how you can help prevent pollution. It is burn season as new vegetation emerges after a long winter. Prescribed fire is used to help control some of our most aggressive non-native plants such as Phragmites. Finally, a few success stories on how anyone from individuals to corporations can take actions to protect water resources.

Michigan has nation’s weakest regulations on septic systems  Michigan lacks the regulatory means to ensure septic systems are operating properly.  Failing septic systems release wastewater and sewage into soils which can end up in our ground and surface waters causing issues associated with excess nutrients and bacterial contamination.  Many of the homes in the Huron River watershed are on septic systems.  A few local counties have inspection and repair requirements at the time of home sale, which helps. Regular pumping and inspection of your system is the best way to ensure your system is not contributing to water pollution issues. Here is a useful guide for homeowners on septic systems.

Thousands of failed septic tanks threaten Michigan’s waters  In a related article, learn more generally about Michigan’s issues with failing septic systems and the Huron River’s ranking in a recent study out of Michigan State University examining fecal contamination in water from septic tanks.  Learn more about HRWC’s Failing Septics project, which takes a different approach to identify and correct problems.

Phragmites all fired up  Phragmites is a tall grass that invades wet areas crowding out native plants and drying up wetlands.  Prescribed fire (an intentional, controlled burn) is a management tool to help control the invasion of this nuisance plant.  Prescribed fires are common this time of year and provide many benefits to our natural areas.

Green City Diaries: Conserving water, improving neighborhood life  Read an inspiring story about how two local residents are taking simple steps toward water conservation in their neighborhood and home.

Scotts drops phosphorus from lawn fertilizer  Waterways across the country breathe a sigh of relief as one of the major lawn fertilizer companies drops phosphorus from its formula.   Most soils have sufficient phosphorus to maintain healthy lawns. Excess phosphorus in water results in algal and plant growth that can quickly reach harmful levels.  Michigan has been pro-active on this issue already banning phosphorous in lawn fertilizers.  It is nice to see nationwide action to reduce the impacts of this pollutant.

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You’re on the golf course, and you’re about to take your next shot. Your eyes narrow on the flag. You take a few deep breaths and let them out. Listen to the wind and the birds sing. You swing your club and it whistles through the air. Your friend shakes his head. He knows he lost yet another round. You look around and glory in your success. Isn’t it great that you have this area in which you can play golf, enjoy the sun, and witness your friends lose? Now imagine if this didn’t exist…

The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission is working on a master plan that acts as a guide to the development and operation of the county’s parks, preserves, and other recreational activities. Included in these activities are multiple recreation centers, water parks, and — you guessed it! — a golf course. In order to manage these areas to the best of their ability, they need information from you!

You can fill out their survey here:  Washtenaw County Parks Survey. By giving your feedback, YOU can have a direct say in how your parks will be managed.

Plus, you can enter a drawing to win one of several prizes. Five lucky participants will receive one of the following: a pass to the Rolling Hills Water Park or Independence Lake’s Blue Heron Bay Spray Zone; Yearly Vehicle Entry Pass; a round of golf at Pierce Lake Golf Course; or a day pass to the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center.

If you have any other questions or additional comments, you can contact Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation office via phone at 734-971-6337 or via email at parks@ewashtenaw.org.

After their lectures we were able to put our newly learned skills to test and apply them in the field at Barton Nature Area and Delhi Metropark. Participants ventured around the parks looking to capture unique images, and were given the opportunity of having Michael and Marc help them capture the image the way they wanted. Afterwards Michael and Marc offered their experience in photo editing for those who wished to polish up some of their images. To top off this weekend’s events we were lucky to have world-renowned photographer and local Ann Arbor resident, Howard Bond, on Sunday to provide a lecture on positive and negative space; as well as provide a slide show of his favorite photos.

This workshop is the first of two that we are hosting this year. The next Watershed Photo Workshop is the weekend of October 19th & 20th. Register now to learn the basic techniques for taking great nature photos—obtaining correct exposures, controlling the depth-of-field, making sharper photos, customizing your camera to do what you want it to, and more. All skill levels are welcome.

Visit our Facebook page for more photos from this weekends workshop.

More information and registration for other summer recreation events HERE.

Rods, flies, fly fishing instruction book, and snacks will be provided.  Bring a pair of polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. We practice fly casting on the lawn, so waders will not be necessary. We are offering women, family, and general classes to better suit your learning needs. Remember, each class is limited to 15 participants and registration is required for participation. Join us and acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities that foster a summer of fun on the river!

Visit our Summer Events page for more information and how to register.

This year we are offering five unique paddle trips at various locations along the beautiful Huron River. Each of the paddling trips is either led by Huron River guides Barry Lonik or Ron Sell and the HRWC staff will also be participating in the paddle adventures.

The recreational value of each trip is worthwhile, and the first-hand educational opportunities are second-to-none! Each trip includes discussion regarding the river’s water ecology, history, and unique features. The first paddling trip is May, 18th and will take us from Proud Lake State Recreation Area to Downtown Milford’s Central Park. Ann Arbor Ornithologist, Dea Armstrong will be joining us on this paddle to provide her insight of the regional birds we encounter. Registration is limited to ten watercrafts for each trip, and we provide the shuttle.

Visit the Summer Events page for more information on each trip, and how to register to ensure a boat-load of summer fun!

Sponsored by the Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative, the one-mile trail will be the final piece of the east-west connector trail. The project includes construction of the path from Huroc Park to Oakwoods Metropark in Huron Township, work at a railroad crossing and route signage.

Funding for the $684,300 trail is provided by federal funds and a local match from the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources.

The 24-mile east-west route stretches from Belleville Lake to the shores of Lake Erie. It encompasses nearly 20,000 acres, runs through four metroparks and follows the Huron River. In fact, just a few undeveloped trail miles in Van Buren Charter Township separates the downriver route from the Border to Border Trail system in Washtenaw County, an eventual 35-mile contiguous non-motorized path along the Huron River.

The ceremony will feature remarks from Rodney Stokes, special adviser for city placemaking for Gov. Rick Snyder; Vince Ranger, grant coordinator for the Michigan Department of Transportation; Mayor Jonathan Dropiewski; Tom Woiwode, Community Foundation Southeast Michigan’s Greenways Initiative director; John McCulloch, Huron-Clinton Metroparks director; Elizabeth Riggs, Huron River Watershed Council deputy director; and Anita Twardesky, co-chair of greenways initiative.

U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-12th District) is invited to attend.

Join us today at 4 p.m. to help celebrate the realization of a vision where residents and visitors come together to live, work and play on the shores of the Huron River.

For more information about the water trail or RiverUp!: www.huronriverwatertrail.org, www.riveruphuron.org

FLAT ROCK: Groundbreaking scheduled for final stretch of Flat Rock-Oakwoods connector trail  We are blessed with extensive trail systems along the Huron River.  With the addition of this final mile of trail in Flat Rock, there will now be 24 miles of contiguous trail from Belleville Lake to Lake Erie.  It is amenities like this that help get people to the river and enjoying the outdoors which is one of the goals of HRWC’s RiverUP! project.

Let the river run: Dam removal accelerates across Michigan  Read a nice summary of dams and dam removal efforts in Michigan.  There is growing interest and funding to support the removal of aging dams that have outlived their original purpose.  Dam removal is one of the tools of river restoration which helps support healthy populations of species that thrive in running waters like salmon, trout and walleye.

DNR reminds anglers of high water safety on rivers  It is a popular time on the river for anglers.  Fish are on the move which is an exciting time to fish.  At the same time, with the recent rains, the river is running high and fast.  Take caution when recreating in the river while waters remain high.

It’s good to get your hands dirty  Volunteers are the life blood of many environmental non-profits. The Huron River Watershed Council is no exception.  The beauty of volunteering is that both the organization and the volunteer experience benefits.  This article highlights several local non-profits discussing the value of volunteering.  Visit our Volunteer page to learn about volunteering with HRWC.

ANN ARBOR: City gets river clean-up grants worth more than $39,000  Several river clean up events will be happening in Ann Arbor this summer thanks to a grant from the DEQ.  If you are interested in volunteering to help remove trash from the river, this article lets you know how.

Grand Rapids officials looking ahead to next big storm  Throughout Michigan, we have had a very wet April.  We watched the Huron rise and fall but we were spared much of the flooding experienced on the west side of the state.  This article discusses Grand Rapid’s response to this years’ flooding.  They are thinking now about ways to protect against future events which are predicted to become more common.  Learn more about how we are working with communities in the Huron to build resilience to severe weather events affecting the river and residents here.

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