Volunteer for Stonefly Search Saturday, January 27th

January Update

Volunteer for Stonefly Search Saturday, January 27th

HRWC's annual Winter Stonefly Search is a great outdoor activity for individuals and groups of friends and family.
There are two start times: 9am and 10:30am. The event takes about 4 hours; approximately half of that is outside. Please choose your preferred time and SIGN UP (required) HERE.
Stoneflies elude predators by growing during the winter months when most fish are more sluggish. They live only in good quality streams so searching for them tells us about problems in the river and its streams.

There is still time to get your 2024 Huron River Watershed Community Calendar!

This year's free printed wall calendar features 12 months of stunning watershed photography, highlights of the work of the community partners and tips for protecting clean water in your everyday actions. The calendar is supported by the members of the Middle Huron Partners and the Livingston Watershed Advisory Group with a couple of additional communities joining in this year (Village of Milford and City of Wixom).
Get one for FREE from a participating community or from HRWC's office at 117 North First Street in Ann Arbor.
Get one from us by mail by emailing Maaike Wielenga, mwielenga@hrwc.org, with your mailing address and “calendar” in the subject line. Maaike will snail mail a batch every few weeks until we run out.
Learn more about this year's community calendar at our blog.

The latest blogs from HRWC . . .

December News to Us: Last month's compiled news headlines: recent local and state environmental wins like land protection in Webster Township, state-level clean energy legislation, and Michigan outdoor industry growth, winter water monitoring by Friends of the Rouge, and new studies on changing snowfall from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Fifth National Climate Assessment Paints Clear Picture of the Threats from Climate Change: HRWC Watershed Planner Dan Brown summarizes the recently published Fifth National Climate Assessment.

Become a Master Rain Gardener

Online class with tours and office hours starts January 25th!
Design your own rain garden step-by-step during class. Become the neighborhood expert! Protect your home against flooding and help birds and butterflies with a RAIN garden! We teach you *everything* you need to know to create your own rain garden. That includes lessons learned from more than 1,400 rain gardens built by homeowners just like you! Learn what works and what doesn't. Ask questions in our live class! Visit a rain garden in person! Neighborhood virtual breakout rooms and Facebook (or an alternate forum) for discussion/homework. Earn your certification, including a t-shirt and sign, by building your own rain garden or adopting a public rain garden.
Register For the Class Here
Co-hosts: Washtenaw County Water Resources, Clinton River Watershed Council, Friends of Detroit River, Friends of the Rouge, Huron-Clinton Metropark, Huron River Watershed Council, Oakland County Water Resources, and the River Raisin Watershed Council
More information: MasterRainGardener.org
Questions about the class? Contact Susan Bryan bryans@washtenaw.org

Spring 2024 Tree Sale discounts for you!

HRWC is partnering with the Oakland Conservation District and the Washtenaw County Conservation District to offer our friends special discounts on their 2024 Spring Tree Sales!
OAKLAND CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Get 25% off select riparian species with discount code: HRWC2024
Go here to shop for trees and shrubs from Oakland Pick up date: May 4, 2024
Select species for the discount: CONIFERS American Larch. HARDWOODS River Birch, Common Hackberry, Red Maple, Sycamore, Blackgum. SMALL TREES AND SHRUBS American Hazlenut, Ninebark, Red Osier Dogwood, Redbud Spicebush, Winterberry. LARGER TREES American Elm, Silver Maple, Pin Oak, Tulip Poplar.
WASHTENAW COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Get $10.00 off each bundle of riparian species with discount code: HRWC2024
Go here to shop for trees and shrubs from Washtenaw - discount applies to all trees and shrubs on this page. Pick up date: April 26-27, 2024

Ypsilanti Township: How to Assess, Manage and Preserve Your

Free presentation about the benefits of and opportunities for farmland and natural area preservation.
This event is for landowners to learn about options and services that support land protection. All are welcome.
Thursday, January 11, 20246:00 - 7:30 pm
Ypsilanti Civic Center 7200 S Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to discuss their properties with staff from these local conservation organizations: Washtenaw County Conservation District, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, Legacy Land Conservancy, Ann Arbor Greenbelt, and Huron River Watershed Council. Registration requested.

Save the dates for these upcoming events with HRWC:

Quiet Adventures Symposium: March 2nd in East Lansing
HRWC's River Givers: March 6th at our Huron River Headquarters
Washtenaw County Home Garden and Lifestyle Show: March 16 - 17th

Other watershed learning opportunities

Introduction to Lakes Online Course from Michigan State University ExtensionRegister by January 28, 2024
This introductory six-week online course kicks off January 30th and is designed for anyone interested in inland lakes including concerned residents, decision makers, local leaders, and lakefront property owners. Course instructors include faculty from MSU Extension and state agency personnel.

Learn more and register at www.canr.msu.edu/courses/introduction-to-lakes.
Learn about beavers with Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols ArboretumRegister now for the January 28th walk and talk
Take a walk along Sam Graham Trees Trail with MBGNA and local experts to learn about the recent beaver activity on and around Fleming Creek.
Registration is required. Walk is free, limited to 60 people.

Learn more and register at https://mbgna.umich.edu/event/beaver-tales-3/

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Tip

Hold the salt! The best way to keep salt out of our streams during cold weather months is by shoveling snow and ice, early and often. If you occasionally need a de-icer for sidewalks and driveways, choose a product labeled “environmentally or eco-friendly.” Learn more at www.hrwc.org/uselesssalt.