Newsletters - Huron River Watershed Council

Huron River Report

Published spring, summer and fall by the Huron River Watershed Council. Get the latest news on initiatives to protect and restore the Huron River, information about watershed features and threats, and updates on HRWC programs.

Sign up to be notified by email when we publish a new edition of the Huron River Report! You will also receive other email updates from HRWC.

Fall 2021

Sowing Seeds for the Huron, Local farmer collaborations are conserving soil, land, and water quality
Crows in the Watershed, These big-brained birds are smart!
Rebecca’s Stream of Consciousness, HRWC’s work to protect the river and public health from PFAS
Innovators Fund Germinates Collaboration, The power of plants in the fight for healthy rivers
Thank you, 2021 Summer Interns!
Volunteer Spotlight, Craig Kivi
Milestone Reached in Dioxane Cleanup, A newer stricter exposure limit takes effect
Leave No Trace Visits the Huron River Water Trail
Preparing for a Wild Ride, A future of extreme swings from drought to flooding

Summer 2021

Wait . . . Was that a Lobster? Michigan’s native crayfish and threats of a new invader
Updates from the Huron River Water Trail: Progress, upcoming improvements, and a new paddle-through registry
Rebecca’s Stream of Consciousness, HRWC adapts monitoring programs and more to engage supporters
Mike Schultz’s Vision for the Huron, Avid fly-fisherman, entrepreneur and ambassador of clean water
DIY River Cleanups, Keeping momentum up despite the pandemic
Keeping Stormwater Running Clean, HRWC supports collaborative stormwater management
MiCorps ReBoot 2021, Statewide stream and lake monitoring is back with a splash
Welcome Marisa, HRWC adds to the outreach team
Updated Watershed Map Poster

Spring 2021

Protecting Wildlife Allies: Limiting tick populations by preserving habitat for predators
Protecting the Middle Huron, Top ten recommendations set to achieve healthy water
Rebecca’s Stream of Consciousness, PFAS, climate, funding for the environment, the election
Erb Family Foundation, Increasing Collaboration for Healthy Great Lakes
Welcome, Eric, DTE Foundation Environment Fellow
Crossing Watershed Boundaries, HRWC collaborates with Southeast Michigan river groups
Volunteer Spotlight, Stewardship Awards: Joel Panozzo, Big Splash and Andrea Kline, HRWC Hall of Fame
River Givers Goes Virtual

Fall 2020

Oh, Dam! Was that a beaver?
Healthy Forests Equal Healthy Rivers, Why HRWC is focused on land use
Rebecca’s Stream of Consciousness, Floodplain management and addressing aging dams are key solutions to future flooding
Take a Suds Tour of the ‘Shed, Support local businesses and HRWC!
New State Standards for PFAS, Maximum contaminant levels established for drinking water
Swimming in Plastic, Redux, Microplastics are prevalent, but mysterious
2020 Interns, 25 Intrepid Heroes!
Lights, Camera, Analyze! HRWC pilots low-cost spectrophotometer to analyze water pollution

Summer 2020

Invasive Aquatic Plants, Ecosystem-altering species prevalent in the Huron River watershed
Something’s Fishy about Mussels, What’s lurking at the bottom of the river from guest author Rene Mulcrone
Stream of Consciousness, Rebecca Esselman, HRWC’s Executive Director writes about COVID-19 pandemic impacts to HRWC
The Bill and Mary Kinley Innovators Fund, Enabling creative solutions for river protection and restoration
Welcome Wendy, HRWC’s new development director
Cleaning up the Huron, One piece at a time
River Giver’s Recap, Thanks for the support
Heroes of Woody Debris Management, Keeping the river safe, yet natural
New Microplastics Pollution-Reducing Member Benefit, Free Guppyfriend!

Spring 2020

Waterlogged: High Water Tables, High Flows, and Climate Change
Plan your Summer Paddling! Outfitters of the Huron River
Revised Phosphorus Policy Approved
Volunteer Spotlight, Paul Cousins
The Bill and Mary Kinley Innovators Fund
Welcome New Staff, Allison Gotelaere and Kate Laramie
Stream of Consciousness, Rebecca Esselman HRWC’s Executive Director writes about climate change and the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

Fall 2019

Enjoy the Huron River! Perspectives on threats to the river and how best to handle them (PFAS, 1,4-Dioxane, Microplastics)
Whole Farms for Clean Water, Empowering farmers to improve water quality
Volunteer Spotlight, Summer Interns
Three Easy Steps! Stop the spread of invasive species in the watershed
Peninsular Paper Dam Slated for Removal, Ypsilanti City Council votes for removal
Healthy Land = Healthy Water, HRWC releases land protection toolkit
Flux + Flow at Fleming, Discovering a creek through play
Stream of Consciousness, Rebecca Esselman HRWC’s new Executive Director shares appreciation for Laura and progress during our leadership transition

Summer 2019

The Great Blue Heron, A symbol of environmental health and inspiration for HRWC’s iconic logo
Green Infrastructure Takes Root! HRWC completes construction of new projects to improve creeksheds
River Givers Gathering, A recap of the spring event
Connecting Land and Water Trails, Washtenaw County’s Border-To-Border Trail meets the Huron River
Lake Monitoring Expands in the ‘Shed, Volunteers capture data on 24 lakes in 2018
Ensuring Safe (and Fun!) Field Outings, New efforts promote inclusivity, minimize risks
Laura’s Final Stream of Consciousness (as she moves to her new role at the Great Lakes Coalition), PFAS Good and Bad News

Spring 2019

Hellgrammites, The insect of your nightmares
PFAS in the Huron River, An emerging threat
Climate Change Vulnerability, What is it and what are we doing about it
We Support Nature, A cure for what ails you
Explore the Huron Safely and Courteously, 104 miles of Huron River National Water Trail awaits you
Volunteer Spotlight, Sharon and Dave Brooks
RiverUp! Report, Huron River Designated as a State Water Trail and Peninsular Paper Dam Removal Feasibility Study Completed
Ford and Belleville TMDL Update, MDEQ to redevelop lakes pollution policy
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Making Michigan a Leader in Clean Water and Environmental Protection

Fall 2018

Engaging Youth in Nature & Science, HRWC Initiatives in STEM Education
Not Just Another Pretty Flower, The role of autumn flowering plants
Thank You, Elizabeth
Your Environmental Values, Deciding on a bequest to HRWC
Taking the Pulse of the River, A partnership develops a remote watershed sensor network
RiverUp! Report, Negotiating for a better Flat Rock Dam portage and Ypsilanti’s Peninsular Paper Dam
Searching for Microplastics, Developing a volunteer monitoring program
Volunteer Spotlight, Summer Interns
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Highlighting HRWC’s work with the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP)

Summer 2018

Aerial Insectivores, Look for swallows and swifts throughout the watershed this summer
Safe Swimming in the Huron River, Stay healthy by deciding when and where to jump in
Change Makers Needed, HRWC seeks residents to make their voices heard for the river
RiverUp! Report, Paddler’s Companion 3rd Edition released and DTE Energy riverfront property set for transformation
Walter J. Weber, Jr. Water Quality Monitoring Fund Supports HRWC’s science programs
2018 Stewardship Awards, Congratulations Rowan Elowe, Bill Phillips, Janis Bobrin and Books By Chance
Goodbye, Stevi. Hello, Andrea! Staffing changes at HRWC
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Recognizing Laura Rubin for 20 impressive years at the helm, guest authored by Elizabeth Riggs, Deputy Director

Spring 2018

“Here Come Old Flat-Top,” Flathead mayfly, easy to find and easy to identify
Breathing Life Back into Norton Creek, Partners work to restore an impaired tributary
Digging into Lakes, HRWC investigates harmful algal blooms in Brighton and Ore lakes
Together We Protect Our Home River, How your donor support helps
Volunteer Spotlight, Eric Robinson
RiverUp! Report, Flux + Flow at Fleming and Flook Dam Portage Improvements
Dam Good Effort, Breaking through the money question for dam removals
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, The role of HRWC’s Board of Directors

Fall 2017

Fishing the Home Waters, Huron River becomes a destination for anglers
Planning Ahead, Local governments and residents are key to the health of the Huron
HRWC Fun, Getting out on the Huron River is a summertime favorite!
RiverUp! Report, What’s the Economic Impact of the Huron River?
Taking Climate Change to the Next Level, The role of regional entities to amplify local action on climate
2017 Summer Interns Get the Job Done! HRWC appreciates their contributions and commitment
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Speak up and voice opposition to the repeal of the Clean Water Rule

Summer 2017

Swimming in Plastic, Microplastics are found throughout the Huron River
Invested in the Huron, Impacts of federal funding cuts
Kick Toxic Sealcoats to the Curb, Safer alternatives protect families and water resources
New Rain Gardens in Swift Run! Green Infrastructure to improve neighborhood, creek and the Huron
Stewardship Awards, Recipients honored for their hard work on behalf of the Huron
RiverUp! Report, Low Impact Camping on the Water Trail, Sustaining Trail Towns
Trails in the Watershed, A shining example of Michigan as the Trail State
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, What we can do to address threats to the EPA, federal pass-through grants and climate related initiatives and funding

Spring 2017

Volunteer Initatives, Bill Lee, Sally Ruzky, Janet Kahan and Jesus Bautista help the Huron
Catch-and-Release Protects the Huron’s Fish, Anglers can help offset the effects of climate change
Plant a Tree . . . Today, And store 100 gallons of stormwater
Benefits of a Free-flowing River, Dam removal is an essential strategy for river restoration
RiverUp! Report, Making a More Accessible River, Trail Ambassadors Keep a Look Out
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, update on Ann Arbor area dioxane-contamination, Dave Wilson tribute

Winter 2016

Try Your Hand at Ice Fishing, And be sure to wear warm gloves!
Preparing for Climate Change, Anticipating an altered climate and its impacts on the watershed
Hands-on Learning Gets All Wet! Education Program takes on snorkeling
RiverUp! Report, Frog Island Park Renovation, Connecting the Huron River Water Trail to the Great Lakes
Making Honey Better, HRWC receives grant to improve Honey Creek in Scio Township
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Dioxane cleanup standards, coal tar bans and phosphorus in Lake Erie

Fall 2016

Creek Countdown, How healthy is the creek near you?
Surprises in Norton Creek, A mix of restoration efforts recommended
Pointe Mouillee or “Wet Point,” Bird migration through the mouth of the Huron River
2016 Summer Interns
Huron River Appreciation Day
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, HRWC’s new 5-year strategic plan for 2016-2021

Summer 2016

Aquatic Hitchhikers, Invasive species change and destroy ecosystems
Shared Resource, Shared Responsibility, How several communities are using water wisely
RiverUp! Report, Tackling Ford Lake’s tough portage, Measuring the worth of a river
Communities Reduce NPS Pollution, New regulations push further improvements in stormwater control
Tour Your River, Plan a Huron River Water Trail adventure
2016 Annual Stewardship Awards
Creating Climate Resilient Communities, Changing rainfall has implications for stormwater management
HRWC Events and Workshops for June, July, August
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, An update on HRWC projects

Spring 2016

Rain Gardens in Mitchell, Neighbors join together to protect Swift Run Creek
Fluctuating Flows Frustrate Fish, How providing more habitat helps fish spawn and thrive
The Bad, The Good and The Really Good, Celebrating Success in a coal tar-free watershed
Huron Love Stories, HRWC oral history project
HRWC Events and Workshops for March, April, May
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, Observations from the Flint Water Crisis

Winter 2015

HRWC Looks Ahead, The final part of a series celebrating 50 years of history, growth and achievement
Eyes on the River, HRWC volunteers protect the Huron
New Monitoring Methods, Investigating crowd-hydrology and remote sampling options
Oral History Project, Paul Rentschler recalling the “boom years” at HRWC – babies, a body behind the door, kids in the halls, and expanding success
Use Less Salt This Winter, At home, frequent shoveling is best!

Fall 2015

HRWC’s Second 25 Years, Part 3 of a series celebrating 50 years of history, growth and achievement
Woody Debris, Friend or foe?
DIA Inside|Out on the Huron River, 15 masterpieces on exhibit along the Water Trail, now through October
Preparing for a Safer Future, How emergency managers can help communities adapt to climate changes
Building a Community of Practice, HRWC hosts inaugural National Water Trails Forum
Huron River Appreciation Day, Photos from our July 12 celebration
Success! HRWC continues to make waves with a slew of recent projects

Summer 2015

HRWC’s First 25 Years, Part 2 of a series celebrating 50 years of history, growth and achievement
Middle Huron Progress, Investments yield results
“You Mean We’re Drinking Your Pee?!” Huron River oral history project continues with Paul Cousins
The 18th National Water Trail, Huron River Water Trail joins network of exemplary trails
Stewardship Awards: Zachery Gizicki, Luke Blackburn, Magda Herkof
Recipe for Conservation Success, Ingredients for a Great Michigan in the 98th Michigan Legislative Session
Protecting a Regional Treasure, The Huron’s Natural River District

Spring 2015

Tracing HRWC’s Roots, the Huron River Watershed Council at 50
The American Mink, a relentless predator perfectly suited to a riparian habitat
Upstream, Downstream and a Swim, Huron River oral history project continues
RiverUp! Generates Momentum, highlights of recent accomplishments and current projects
Waterfront Wisdom, tips for shoreline property owners
Program Updates, HRWC’s activities on various programs in 2014

Winter 2014

Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 4 in a series: the City of Ann Arbor
Toxic Bacteria Impacts Lake Erie Communities, harmful algal blooms and their connections to the Huron River watershed
Word on the Streets, coal tar sealcoat emerging as serious human and aquatic health threat
Keeping the ‘Shed Natural, natural areas and farmland preservation
Oral History Project, stories about the Huron River and its watershed
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, phosphorus reduction and climate change resiliency, improving agricultural controls and enabling stormwater utilities

Fall 2014

Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 4 in a series: the Village of Milford
Hardworking Trees, low-cost watershed workers
Green Infrastructure Innovation, coming soon to a neighborhood near you!
Education, HRWC-style, volunteers go deep with watershed-area schools
Oral History Project, stories about the Huron River and its watershed
Looking Under the Hood, university team studies river flows, the Huron’s “engine”
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, honoring Congressman John Dingell

Summer 2014

Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 3 in a series: the City of Ypsilanti
Ford Lake’s Legacy, the mixed history of the impoundment
Stewardship Awards, Mike Schultz, The Battersby Family and Dave Wilson
From Source to Source, the energy and carbon in our water supply
Saving Water Saves Energy, program opens doors and inspires increased water conservation
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, highlights from State of the Huron Conference 2014

Spring 2014

Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 2 in a series: the City of Flat Rock
Bird Migration, finding feathered friends in the watershed
When It Rains, It Pours, rainfall in a changing climate
Up a Creek, no need for a paddle
Green and Clean, understanding “Green Infrastructure”
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, wetland permitting, dioxane, fracking and State of the Huron Conference

Special Issue: Michigan Fisheries, 200 Years of Changes

This document is a compilation of the 4 part fish series found in the Winter 2012-Fall 2013 newsletters.

Winter 2013

Trail Towns of the Huron, Part 1 in a series: the Village of Dexter
Mapping By Hand, how it was done over 100 years ago
Investigating Bacteria Sources, Honey Creek Plan
Identifying Failing Septics, a new approach
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, concerns about Michigan’s new wetlands law

Fall 2013

200 Years of Michigan Fish, Part 4 (final installment)
A Paddler’s Journey, Ron Sell’s 2013 river expedition
Protection for Portage Creek, Communities work to keep high-quality creek healthy
Laura Rubin, River Hero!, River Network recognizes her inspirational leadership
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, reflections on the River Hero award and stormwater, asset management and wastewater

Summer 2013

200 Years of Michigan Fish, Part 3
Honey, We Shrunk the Huron!, using mesocosms to perform river experiments
Map of upcoming recreation features of the HRWT
Adapting to a Changing Climate, project report
Stewardship Awards, HRWC honors three individuals for their exceptional dedication
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, EPA’s National Rivers and Streams Assessment

Spring 2013

200 Years of Michigan Fish, Part 2
RiverUp!date, Highlights of 2012
Results are In! 2012 water quality monitoring shows mixed trends
HRWC Events and Workshops for March, April, May
Our Regulated River, Resources for dam owners and operators in the Huron
H2O and Planned Giving, Leave a legacy for the Huron River
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, a new project protecting Portage Creek
Thank you to our supporters and volunteers

Winter 2012

200 Years of Michigan Fish
Low Flow Woes and Lake Levels
Survey Says Watershed Residents are Stormdrain-Aware
Never a Dull Moment, HRWC Programs Progress Report
Blue Giving, HRWC Staff picks for meaningful gifts
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, a tribute to Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Janis Bobrin

Fall 2012

Ospreys are Back, reintroduction effort a success
Restoration of a Highly Urbanized Mallets Creek, benefits extend downriver
Clean Water Act at 40, a perspective on landmark legislation
A Dam Nation, HRWC continues to eye the impacts of dams on the Huron
New Staff, welcome Rebecca Esselman, HRWC Watershed Planner
Laura’s Stream of Consciousness, concerns about in-stream whitewater structures

Summer 2012

The Huron River in the War of 1812, the Governor’s vision for a military supply route
Changing color of stormwater, green infrastructure
H2O Heroes beat the peak, tips for saving water outdoors in the summer
Make no small plans, charting a river’s rebirth
Volunteer Awards, thanks and celebration at Annual Meeting
A few special volunteer positions, are you the right fit for these opportunities?

Spring 2012

Elusive neighbors, salamanders in the watershed
New Honey Creek study investigates bacteria
Stream muckin’ and bug collectin’, how and why we do it
Summer events: birding, fly fishing, hiking, swimming, paddling
Board representative Scott Barb from Livingston County
River stewards Barry Lonik and Donna Snyder speak up
HRWC water quality monitoring program expands to lower Huron

Winter 2011

Three ways to get outside and have fun this winter
Scenarios of winter climate change in the watershed
New fertilizer restrictions
HRWC and partners target phosphorus, bacteria and habitat problems
2012 Watershed Community Calendar available
Take the Watershed Community Online Survey

Fall 2011 Special Issue, Save Water, Tips and Info Inside . . .

Save water, energy and money while protecting the Huron
Water impacts of electricity production
HRWC begins new community-based climate change planning
Your water footprint
Bids on the River online auction opens Friday, September 16
2012 Watershed Community Calendar available in September
Take the Watershed Community Online Survey

Summer 2011

Freshwater Sponges
Meet HRWC’s Storm Chasers
New Ad Campaign
HRWC takes the Lead on Dam Program Improvements
Annual Meeting
Paddle the Huron River Water Trail

Spring 2011

Adopt-A-Stream Founder Retires
Assessing the Huron’s Natural Areas
New River Scouts Program, Paddle to Protect
High-Tech Sleuthing to Detect Failing Septics
Volunteer Monitoring in Livingston County
HRWC’s Summer Recreation Events (fly fishing, paddle trips, and more)

Winter 2010

HRWC Wraps Up a Successful Project Using Rain Gardens
Oil and Gas Pipelines in the Watershed
Progress on Phosphorus-free Fertilizer Regulations
Taking the Huron River’s Temperature

Fall 2010

The River Today
Measuring Stream Flow
Fall Birding Opportunities
360 Feet of Streambank Restored on Mill Creek

Summer 2010

The River in 1966
Monitoring and Evaluation Data for Lower Huron
To Hell and Back Portage Creek Management Plan

Spring 2010

The Skinny on Lakes
Phosphorus Declines throughout Middle Huron
Join Us for 2010 Summer Fun
Ann Arbor Township Protects the Watershed

Winter 2009: Special Issue, Climate Change

Why Climate Change Matters
SUDS on the River a Success
Film Fest Call for Entries
2010 Wall Calendars Available

Fall 2009

Native plants green up the Huron
HRWC advocates Argo Dam removal
Stream buffer protection in Green Oak and Scio Townships

Summer 2009

What is your favorite place on the Huron?
Water quality of 13 local lakes measured in 2008
Changes in Lansing impact wetland, DEQ, and DNR
Planning in Portage and Protecting in Mill
Korean delegation visits HRWC

Spring 2009

Swans of the watershed
Great Lakes compact approved
Michigan Clean Water Corps: Bringing water monitors together from across the state
Spring and summer volunteer activities
Implementing low impact development in Michigan

Winter 2008

Eradicating deadly diseases: a local wetland’s role
What our data tells us about the condition of the Huron
Snow and ice melting tips for homeowners
Celebrate winter in the Huron River Watershed

Fall 2008

HRWC celebrates first dam removal in the watershed
Three critical factors for healthy streams
Adopt-a-stream program seeks volunteers and support
Top rated adventures in the watershed,
MDEQ issued new permits controlling stormwater runoff admid controversy.

Summer 2008

Two ways to explore your watershed
Get the “dirt” about soil composition and life
Miller’s Creek development highlight low impact tools of urban stormwater management
New Wood’s Creek friends group launched
Riparian buffer initiative completed
Successful Third Annual film festival focus on watershed issues.

Spring 2008

Freshwater jellyfish thrive in Huron River
Innovative planning tools
Encouraging report on five-year study of middle Huron
River friendly lawn care tips
Dexter dam removal is moving ahead
HRWC shares favorite spring location along Mill Creek watershed.

Winter 2007

Study illustrates potential watershed deterioration by 2030
Seeking the elusive Stonefly
HRWC staff and locals protect Woods Creek
Portage Creek to have its own management plan
Successful “Suds on the River” environmental awareness event
Update on HRWC projects & activities
Bioreserve project seeks volunteers & partners.

Fall 2007

Tools for preserving the watershed
Liz reports on her 100-mile Huron River swim
Five area townships participating in Huron Buffer Initiative
Paw Paw trees still found in a few Huron floodplain forests
Green Oak Township leading effort on stormwater ordinance

Summer 2007

Liz swims the Huron to raise awareness for water quality
Green alternatives to traditional burial practices
Successes from the second annual film festival
Adopt-a-Stream volunteers provide vital scientific information about the Huron and its tributaries
Volunteers honored at annual meeting
Bioreserve project on a roll

Spring 2007

Progress and direction for Ann Arbor’s Greenbelt Initiative
Helping HRWC identify and protect natural areas
Innovative land-use project focuses on transfer of development rights (TDR)
Colt Farm’s permit denied
How stormwater regulations hold up in court
Longnose Gar is an ancient native fish species present in the Huron

Winter 2006

Origins of the Huron River name
Results of a two-year study of Mill Creek
Tax incentives for land conservation
Restoration projects in the Huron’s headwaters and a section of Millers Creek
Detroit Heritage River Water Trail in the works
Ann Arbor bans phosphorus in lawn fertilizers

Fall 2006

Steelhead and chinook salmon in the Huron
Stream assessment using modeling techniques
Questions (about water protection) to ask your candidates for state and local office
Study of novel methods to prevent algae problems in Ford and Belleville lakes