Trout Lily. Photo credit: Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Spring is upon us and with it brings many opportunities to help and enjoy rivers.  This News to Us shares articles that will get you out hiking and volunteering for nature. Also learn about how one Huron River town began with a connection to the river.  New and existing regulations on when and how to clean your boats are there to help reduce the spread of invasive species.  And listen to an in depth interview with Governor Whitmer and her focus on water and the environment.

Southeast Michigan’s watershed organizations have plenty of events for volunteers
Learn about many opportunities to lend a helping hand to a river near you. You may know of HRWC led volunteer events, but did you know that the Clinton River Watershed Council, Friends of the Rouge and Friends of the Detroit River also host events? There are no shortage of opportunities to spend some time outdoors helping improve the quality of our rivers in southeast Michigan.

Washtenaw County’s 5 best hiking routes
Spring has sprung, and I don’t know about you, but I have been itching to spend time outside.  This article highlights some nearby hiking gems you may not know about.  If you know of similar lists for other counties in the Huron, send us a link and we will share with our readers.  It is the perfect time of year to see wildflowers, hear frog and toads, and breath the fresh air.

1st Friday Focus On The Environment: A Conversation With Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Governor Whitmer has made some early moves that indicate a meaningful and significant focus on water. This interview by WEMU’s David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voter’s Lisa Wozniak talks with the new Governor about the proposed budget, her focus on the environment including water and climate change, education and infrastructure.

Check your boat or risk a ticket: Michigan law aims to stop invasive species
The most common way for invasive species to move between lakes and rivers is on boats. These invasive species can destroy ecosystems and cause problems for waterfront property owners, boaters and other recreational users. There are now state regulations in place requiring boat owners to take action to clean their boat before leaving the launch site. These are in addition to existing requirements in place for care of your boat before launching. HRWC has a program on aquatic invasive species and controlling their spread.  Learn more on our website.

Village of Milford celebrates 150th anniversary of incorporation
Milford sits near the headwaters of the Huron River watershed and is one of the Huron River Trail Towns.  Milford is celebrating its 150th anniversary. This article takes a little walk down memory lane and highlights just how much of early development in this area was because of, and relied upon, the Huron River.