Huron River Watershed Council

08/22/2026

Join HRWC and other fellow river lovers on September 17, 2026 at Robin Hills Farm for food, local brews, zero-proof cocktails, and live music from Hullabaloo. All in celebration and support of the river we love. 🍻
Get your tickets today at www.HRWC.org/suds

08/21/2026

Join Washtenaw County Water Resources, the Huron River Watershed Council, and the Mutual Aid Network of Ypsilanti (MANY) Eco Survival Support program on September 20th and 26th to help install native plants for the Riverside Park Wet Meadow Project.

Wet meadows are native plant communities that help manage stormwater, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. Volunteers will help plant flowers, grasses, and sedges that will make up the wet meadow. We'll provide all necessary tools and instruction, but you're welcome to bring your own gardening tools if you prefer. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather.

🌱 Planting Days:
Saturday, September 20, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Saturday, September 26, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM

📍Location: Riverside Park, near the staircase that goes to the Riverside Art Center

Details at www.HRWC.org/Calendar

08/20/2026

Ric Lawson, HRWC's director of programs, joined WEMU's Issues of the Environment to break down why Ford Lake and Belleville Lake keep seeing harmful algal blooms, how decades of phosphorus are locked into lake sediments, and what's being done about it. Listen or read the full interview at https://www.wemu.org/show/issues-of-the-environment/2026-08-12/issues-of-the-environment-monitoring-cyanobacteria-thats-growing-in-the-huron-river-watershed

08/19/2026

Another summer, another incredible group of Aquatic Field Interns to say goodbye to. Thank you for every mussel saved, every rain gardens built, and every hour spent along our home river this summer. We're endlessly grateful for their hard work and so proud of what they accomplished. Join us in saying thank you!

08/12/2026

News to Us: Video: I planted a rain garden in Detroit—here’s why you should too

A new video from the Michigan Environmental Council highlights the benefits of installing residential rain gardens to manage stormwater, reduce localized flooding, and support pollinators. The video shows step-by-step how to build your own rain garden from planning to planting.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yj5Q0iZ26I

Read more News to Us: https://www.hrwc.org/news-to-us-178/

How to build a DIY rain garden to stop stormwater runoff, prevent b...

08/10/2026

Pick up after your pets! Left on sidewalks or lawns, pet waste washes directly into storm drains and enters our local waterways in the form of raw, unfiltered sewage. Do your part as a pet owner by scooping, bagging and trashing. It makes for better water quality as well as cleaner sidewalks and happier neighbors. Learn more at www.hrwc.org/petwaste.

08/06/2026

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) is collecting input from across Southeast Michigan on flooding and resilience. If flooding has ever affected your home or neighborhood, take a few minutes to share your experience and help shape future flood resilience investments. Survey closes August 11: www.surveymonkey.com/r/KQHY5XD

08/06/2026

News to Us: Dexter-area testing finds PFAS in wastewater, not drinking wells

Recent water testing in western Washtenaw County found PFAS in wastewater and monitoring wells connected to the Multi Lake Water and Sewer Authority (MLWSA) system, but not in nearby residential drinking water wells. The monitoring results, which were shared out at recent town halls hosted by HRWC and MLWSA, emphasized the presence of PFAS in everyday products rather than a single point source. The town halls also focused on practical steps residents can take to reduce exposure, including checking private wells, avoiding certain consumer products, and steering clear of foam on lakes and rivers.

Read the full article here: https://thesuntimesnews.com/dexter-area-testing-finds-pfas-in-wastewater-not-drinking-wells/

Read more News to Us: https://www.hrwc.org/news-to-us-178/

Residents at a June 11 community meeting heard a mix of reassurance and caution about PFAS in the Multi Lake Water and Sewer Authority system: The chemicals have been detected in wastewater and monitoring wells, but not in residential drinking water wells tested near the treatment plant. The meeting...

08/04/2026

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and it's a good reminder that planning ahead is important. Estate planning might sound like something for "someday," but a new job, new home, marriage, or welcoming a child or pet into your family are all good reasons to make sure your will is current. Through FreeWill, you can create a legal will, online, in about 20 minutes, at no cost. It is a simple way to protect the people you love and a healthy river for years to come. Start your will today. https://bit.ly/hrwcmakeawill