Huron River Report Published Quarterly by the Huron River Watershed Council 1100 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Fall 2009

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Huron River Report Published quarterly by the Huron River Watershed Council 1100 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Fall 2009

Stream Buffer Protection pg 7 Film Festival Kicks Off pg 8 Summer Fun ReCap! pg 10 Native Plants Green Up the Huron Seven planting projects provide stormwater beneﬁ ts

This spring and summer HRWC volunteers, staff and partners made a serious com- mitment to improving the Huron River by capturing and inﬁ ltrating storm water runoff through the use of native plants. Seven new projects were installed in May and June at sites in Millers Creek and the lower Huron. Projects varied in size from a large community rain garden to a small native planting area around a village hall.

MILLERS CREEK RAINWATER PROJECTS Millers Creek is a small, steep stream that fl ows into the Huron River at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor. About 45% of the land that fl ows into Millers Creek is covered by impervious surfaces that prevent rain infi ltration. Since this creekshed has very few retention areas, the rain immediately Colin and Isaac Weiss enjoy the day while planting native plugs continued on page 3 at the Briarcliff rain garden. photo: HRWC

Restoring the Huron HRWC advocates Argo Dam removal

In 2001, the Michigan DEQ found that part considering removing Argo of Argo Dam, which impounds the Huron Dam. River as it enters the City of Ann Arbor, had deteriorated to the point where it The second reason Argo’s could collapse. After years of meetings, future is being debated is that letters and plans between MDEQ and City a City committee has just com- staff, MDEQ gave the City, which owns and pleted a thorough two-year operates the dam, a deadline of July 30, study of Ann Arbor’s four dams 2009 to announce a decision whether to (Argo, Barton, Geddes, and Su- ﬁ x or remove the dam. This summer the perior), all of which are owned City asked for another 9-month extension by the City. The committee to make that decision. recommended that the others be maintained, but it could This imminent safety issue, along with not agree on Argo’s future. The Argo Dam in Ann Arbor. photo: HRWC short-term and long-term costs of the needed repairs, is one reason the City is continued on page 5 Table of Contents Featured Articles * = Adopt-A-Stream Monitoring Site Native Plants Green Up Huron...... cover Indicates geographic Seven planting projects provide stormwater location connected to beneﬁ ts article. page 10 Restoring the Huron ...... cover HRWC advocates Argo Dam removal

page 7 Stream Buffer Protection ...... 7 Stewardship in Green Oak and Scio Townships

Fifth Annual Film Festival Kicks Off...... 8 Make a ﬁ lm for the Huron River

page 7 Summer Events ...... 10 page 10 Stewardship, sun and service in the watershed! cover page 10

cover

Events Regular Features September 12, 2 P.M. – 5 P.M. October 18, Noon – 3 P.M. or Leadership Training – Ann Arbor 2 P.M. – 5 P.M. Laura’s “Stream” of Consciousness...... 9 Participation in prior RoundUP required ID Day An update on HRWC projects and activities Contact: [email protected] Identify bugs collected on Oct. 10th NEW Center, Ann Arbor You Make the Difference! ...... 9 September 17, 6 P.M. – 9 P.M. Must pre-register by Oct. 15 Become a member of HRWC Suds on the River Contact: [email protected] Annual fundraiser featuring micro- Thank You! back cover brews of the watershed October 22, 5:30 P.M. Contact: [email protected] HRWC Board Meeting NEW Center, Ann Arbor September 24, 5:30 P.M. Contact: [email protected] HRWC Executive Committee NEW Center, Ann Arbor October 26-27 Contact: [email protected] Fourth Annual MiCorps Conference HRWC Fall 2009 RAM Center, Higgins Lake, MI October 10, 9 A.M. – 3 P.M. or Fees, times and registration info: Rain Barrel Sale! 10:30 A.M. – 5 P.M. www.micorps.net/conference.html River RoundUp or Laura Kaminski, [email protected] nd Must register by Sept. 22 ! Order today! Go to Contact: [email protected] www.hrwc.org/rainbarrels More events and updates on the web at: www.hrwc.org for more information. HRWC ofﬁ ces are located at the NEW Center 1100 N. Main Street in Ann Arbor Call (734) 769-5123 or visit the HRWC website for directions

Page 2 Fall 2009 Huron River Report Native Plants Green Up the Huron continued from cover BENEFITS OF NATIVE PLANTING enters the storm sewer and fl ows quickly build rain gardens on their into Millers Creek, turning a tiny stream property. Also, HRWC hired Native plants are easy to grow, require little main- into a raging torrent. Most of Millers Creek environmental consultant tenance and benefi t the soil. They create attractive, is highly eroded and does not support JFNew to design three major low-maintenance garden borders around lawns healthy biological communities. water retention projects that and help stabilize soils and prevent erosion. Native were implemented in the plants also have deep, “thirsty” roots that help Improving Millers Creek will require spring and early summer of capture rainwater on site and fi lter out pollutants. improving the water runoff quality and 2009. HRWC, JFNew, land- These benefi ts are a signifi cant improvement over increasing the length of time it takes for scape company Michigan typical lawns. the water to reach the creek. To this end, Hardscapes, the City of Ann HRWC obtained a grant from the Michigan Arbor, and many volunteers Native plants are easy to grow because they are DEQ to target rainwater retention in the worked together to complete suited to local weather and soil conditions. The re- headwaters area of Millers Creek. Three these projects. silience of native plants is due in large part to their neighborhoods in northeast Ann Arbor massive root systems. Because the roots reach were selected: Orchard Hills, Maplewood At Thurston Elementary deep into the soil - in some cases, as far down as and Bromley. HRWC’s goal is to educate School, the project team ten feet - the plants can access water even during residents about the issues facing Millers converted a grassy depres- dry times. Their extensive root systems can also Creek, implement residential rain captur- sion that was receiving storm improve soil. New root growth reduces soil coming techniques to safely direct rainwater runoff from the school’s roof paction, and the die-off of old roots adds humus away from neighborhood stormdrains, into a 1,400 square foot rain and nutrients to the soil, and provides great natural and conduct fl ow and biological measure- garden. Heavy clay soil fi lling tunnels for water infi ltration. ments in order to determine the impact of the area was removed and the project’s efforts. In order to improve replaced with porous rich Native plants are beautiful. Using native plants, water retention, HRWC distributed rain soil and then planted with one can create a stunning garden that blooms all barrels in the project area and, along with water-loving native plants. season long. Native plants offer a unique pallet the Washtenaw County Water Resources Now, when rain pours off the of color, texture and shape, plus a wide variety of Commission, helped several residents roof, it fl ows through the rain heights and sizes. garden, infi l- trates through For more information on how you can use native the soil, and plants to help the Huron, go to www.hrwc.org. is taken up by the plants. Only rain from particularly strong vious surface that was contributing to the storms enters the overfl ow high fl ow problems of Millers Creek, and drain, the storm sewer, replaced it with a natural area that helps and fi nally Millers Creek. to alleviate the fl ow problem. More than Along with many neigh- twenty neighborhood residents dedicated borhood volunteers, three a June Saturday to help HRWC plant ap- third-grade classes from proximately 2,000 native plants. Over the school helped to plant time, this rain garden and the one built at this garden. These young Thurston Elementary will become beauti- students can look at the ful gardens of fl owering plants that also garden growing by their provide a useful hydrological function. The school and feel proud Briarcliff rain garden has a path running because they know they through it; it is a lovely place to walk and helped create it! look at the native plants.

At the intersection of Bri- The third project centered on restoring arcliff and Prairie Streets, a non-functioning retention pond at the the project team replaced Plymouth-Orchard Professional Building. an unused paved road stub The pond was intended to retain the rain- with a 5,000 square foot water ﬂ owing out of the Georgetown area The Briarcliff rain garden is seen here fulﬁ lling its function by rain garden. This project by delaying the time the water would take trapping rainwater on site so it cannot enter the storm sewer is distinctive because it and Millers Creek. photo: HRWC removed a piece of imper- continued on next page

Huron River Report Fall 2009 Page 3 Native Plants Green Up the Huron continued from previous page to enter Millers Creek. The project team restored the pond’s retention function by modifying the concrete outlet structure so Thanks! that the pond would hold stormwater and Margie Weiss and 20 volunteers release it slowly to Millers Creek. In ad- for planting the Thurston and Briar- dition, the pond margin was planted with cliff rain gardens, and the native plants to increase water and nutri- 45 volunteers who planted over 800 native plants in Grow Zones at ent uptake. Several volunteers from the four sites in the Lower Huron. SmartWay team at the U.S. EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor contributed their time and including the lower Huron River. Four enthusiasm to the project. sites were selected in the lower Huron for “Grow Zone” projects to help stabilize GROW ZONES IN THE LOWER HURON soils and improve riparian buffer inﬁ ltration. Public sites were chosen in the Lower Using a grant from DEQ, the Alliance of Huron Metropark (Woods Creek) in Van Downriver Watersheds (ADW) purchased Buren Township, Huroc Park in Flat Rock, native plants and seed for installation and Labo Park and the Village Hall in South across three watersheds in Wayne County Rockwood.

Woods Creek Friends volunteers Ron and Joshua Merritt “dig in” to Grow Zone planting Suds in the Lower Huron Metropark. photo: HRWC The sites were selected for their ability to on the treat rainwater runoff and to provide an educational opportunity. The site along Woods Creek will provide improved River stream bank and river ﬂ oodplain buffers. 2 Those at Huroc and Labo Parks improve the Huron River buffer, and the Village Hall 0 planting will provide good educational 0 9 exposure and treat runoff from the Village Hall roof.

M i c r o b r e w s Over the course of four days, all four sites were planted with over 700 native plant of the Huron River Watershed plugs and 30 pounds of seeds. Fifty volunteers contributed their sweat and care to ensure that the plants had a good start by Thursday, September 17 digging holes in often hard-packed soil and thoroughly watering the young plants. In 6 to 9 pm • Huron River Dr, Dexter total, over 25,000 square feet (0.58 acres) were converted from lawn to Grow Zones. Each of the three communities and the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority prepared the sites in advance by treat- ing the existing lawn and tilling the soil. They have also committed to maintaining the Grow Zones to ensure that they will continue to beneﬁ t the river for years to come. For tickets call 734-769-5123 x19 — Ric Lawson and Paul Steen

Page 4 Fall 2009 Huron River Report Restoring the Huron WHAT ABOUT ROWING? continued from cover HRWC believes that the benefi ts to the Huron’s health, to the City’s long- main sticking point: rowers use Argo Pond, ing Argo Dam as the MDEQ demands will term fi nancial condition, and other and they would have to fi nd another loca- cost a whopping $300,000-$500,000. forms of recreation make Argo Dam tion for their sport if Argo Dam goes. Beyond that, every year the City must removal the clear choice. We have pay to maintain the dam and take care also consistently gone on record HRWC’s Executive Director Laura Rubin of Argo Pond and pay insurance for the to affi rm that, before Argo comes served on that committee and studied massive liability of a potential dam failure out, the rowing teams must be able the issues in depth for two years. Figuring — the total annual cost to keep the dam: to fi nd adequate new homes. We out what to do with Argo Dam is diffi cult. $60,000. Beyond that, every decade or so, recommend that the City undertake There’s no perfect solution. But there is a the City must replace the dam’s chains, a serious, objective study of the best solution. HRWC strongly recommends gates, and other major components at challenges involved. that Argo Dam be removed. Here’s why: around $250,000—a cost that will come due in two to three years. In fact, every proposal and resolu- 1) Argo Dam is bad for the Huron River. It tion related to Argo Dam contains a slows the natural fl ow of current, warms That’s a looming $550,000 - $750,000 hit safety valve—in writing—for preserv- the water, and reduces its oxygen content, on the City budget, over and above the ing rowing in Ann Arbor. Each one which hurts fi sh, bugs, and the rest of the $60,000 in annual costs. Rowers, who states clearly that Argo Dam should river ecosystem. The pond behind the dam benefi t the most from keeping Argo Dam stay if rowing cannot be accommo- is also fi lling in with sediment and invasive and Pond, pay none of these expenses. The dated elsewhere. weeds, further degrading the river’s quality, taxpayers of Ann Arbor foot the bills, and hindering animal life and entangling boats, the costs are not going away. If the City The most critical statement is in the paddles, fi shing lines, and swimmers. keeps Argo Dam, it will be paying these report by the HRIMP committee, bills for decades. A dam is an artifi cial which studied Argo and the City’s Removing Argo Dam will immediately and blockage that a river is constantly trying other dams for two years: “creation dramatically improve the Huron’s health. to remove. Without on-going, expensive of new rowing venue(s) must precede Free-fl owing water provides better habitat maintenance on the dam and impound- dam removal to maintain rowing for fi sh and wildlife, restores native plants, ment to keep this artifi cial environment continuity.” Go to www.a2gov.org for and helps keep invasive species out. Cool- intact, the river will eventually win. the details. er, faster fl owing water is not as hospitable to invasive plants and animals. It will also Moreover, the expenses are about to get That position—that rowing must be reduce the impact of pollutants such as harder to pay. The cost of Argo Dam is able to move to a new home—was phosphorus, which presents a signifi cant about to be shifted to the City’s Parks offi cially endorsed by the “pro-river threat to the Huron. Department—the same department that is restoration [dam out]” members of considering cutting the Senior Center and the HRIMP committee. It was reaf- 2) Argo Dam is an expensive relic. No dam fi rmed by the Environmental Com- was ever meant to be permanent. Repair- continued on next page mission, which also voted for dam removal. And it would be part of any resolution endorsed by City Council. AN ALTERNATIVE TO FIXING THE TOE DRAINS?

Some people have said that fi lling in the mill race is a cheaper alternative to Nobody in Ann Arbor wants to fi xing the toe drains (the part of Argo Dam that is deteriorating). This is a viable stop rowing. Every local organiza- option, but it’s fl awed for two reasons. tion that has called for restoring the Huron River and removing Argo 1) It’s not agreeable to the City. Some toe drain repair would still be Dam has also endorsed that provi- needed at the top of the embankment, and closing the mill race would sion: Ann Arbor Area and Michigan disrupt paddling and portaging. The City calculated the cost of rede- Trout Unlimited, the Ecology Center, signing the portage and decided the larger cost for toe drain repair was Huron River Fly Fishing Club, the cheaper and less disruptive to the canoe livery. Huron River Paddlers, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, the 2) Many people are under the illusion that with this dam, you can just “fi x Washtenaw County Water Resources it and forget it.” The toe drains need fi xing right now. But in a couple of Commissioner, and the U-M Kayak years, all the dam’s mechanical equipment is due for an overhaul. Also, Club. HRWC, whose director served Argo pond is fi lling in with weeds, which requires expensive interven- on the HRIMP committee and was tion. The dam itself will reach the end of its “engineered life” in just involved in writing the provision, over a decade. fully endorses it.

Huron River Report Fall 2009 Page 5 Restoring the Huron continued from previous page

HOW BAD IS ARGO DAM GRAPHICAL COMPARISONS OF STREAMFLOW FOR THE HURON RIVER? FLUCTUATION IN THE HURON RIVER NEAR HAMBURG AND IN ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN One objection to removing Argo Dam is that it “will not improve the Huron River very much.” It’s true that it won’t suddenly make the Huron pristine. But the beneﬁ ts will be immediate and dramatic: free movement for ﬁ sh, improved habitat, cooler and better- oxygenated water, and reduced invasive species.

Probably the most important improvement specifi c to Argo Dam is that it will reduce fl uctuations in fl ow downstream. Argo Pond provides no fl ood storage. It is like a bathtub fi lled all the way to the top, and any amount of water that fl ows in, fl ows right out. An undammed river has natural fl oodplains that can hold excess water, and then release it gradually downstream. Argo This chart shows the variations in stream fl ow at sites in Ann Arbor at Wall Street (black) Pond has drowned these fl oodplains— and Hamburg Township (blue). The increase in fl ow volume between Hamburg and Ann removing it would restore 20 acres of Arbor is due to surface water runoff and ground water discharge along the Huron River fl ood storage. mainstem and numerous tributary streams. graphic: USGS

Worse yet, Argo Dam’s gates are overly a public swimming pool to save money. at other, more appropriate locations. sensitive. A small water surge, caused How the City can afford an additional, ma- The Skyline High School rowing team by wind or even a motorboat wake, jor burden on its Parks budget is not clear. is already requesting the City’s help to can cause the dam’s gates to open and start rowing at Barton Pond. In the long release a signifi cant amount of water. 3) Argo Dam does not provide the benefi ts run, with fewer dams to maintain, the Because of Argo Dam, the Huron River that some dams do. It neither generates City can focus its resources on keeping in Ann Arbor has the second-highest hydropower (a 2008 City study concluded the remaining ponds in better shape for fl ow fl uctuations in the state of Michi- that it would cost far too much to install all users. gan, according to the US Geological electrical generation at Argo) nor provides Survey (see diagram at left). Michigan fl ood control. On the contrary, Argo Dam 5) Other potential problems have not Department of Natural Resources actually causes unnatural surges of water materialized. For example, preliminary scientist Paul Seelbach points out that downstream that damage the ecosystem studies of Argo Pond have found no drastic fl ow fl uctuations are probably and are dangerous to people (see sidebar). contamination of sediments. the worst thing that can happen to a river ecosystem. The surges wash away 4) Taking out Argo Dam will not be as dif- High-end cost estimates for remov- habitat, tear out river banks, and endan- fi cult as some have suggested. Rowing is ing the dam run to one million dollars. ger public safety (this summer, 75 pad- an important part of this community, and However, those costs are one-time dlers had to be rescued from the river we want to be sure it continues to thrive. expenditures, and the City projects that when Ann Arbor dams released too But Argo is not the ideal rowing venue that over the long term, removing Argo Dam much water). And the surges are then some have suggested, and Gallup and Bar- will cost less than keeping it. followed by dramatic drops in water ton Ponds and Belleville Lake can support level. Anglers have seen fi sh fl opping rowing too. What’s more, there’s fi nancial aid for on dry land where the river had been dam removal. The federal stimulus just a few minutes earlier. Part of our mission at HRWC is to help package and state parks funds include people enjoy the Huron, and we are money for dam removal—but not for In short, there’s no question that Argo willing to work with the City to help the dam maintenance. If the City wants to Dam damages the Huron River ecosys- rowers develop outstanding facilities keep Argo in, it’s on its own. tem in specifi c, signifi cant ways. continued on next page

Page 6 Fall 2009 Huron River Report Stream Buffer Protection in Green Oak and Scio Townships Stewardship efforts set an example for the watershed

HRWC is pleased to report that two townships in the watershed have made serious commitments to protect the most vulnerable part of the Huron River system by adopting stream buffer ordinances. Green Oak Charter Township in Livingston County and Scio Township in Washt- enaw County have amended their zoning ordinances to protect existing riparian (the area along a stream or river bank) Trees, shrubs and native grasses planted in bands parallel to the buffers from the bubbling headwaters to water’s edge will increase the attractiveness and value of shore- the mighty Huron River. The Natural Rivers line property. Small areas of lawn upland of the buffer provide district* runs through these townships, and places for recreation with minimal maintenance. graphic: HRWC the new buffer protections complement that designation. with the National Research Council that watershed’s riparian areas and seek their A riparian buffer is the critical transition protection and restoration of riparian protection and restoration. In fact, HRWC’s zone between aquatic and terrestrial areas should be a national goal (National model ordinance for riparian buffers serves ecosystems along rivers and lakes that Research Council. 2002. Riparian Areas: as the basis for the townships’ ordinances. provides wildlife habitat, fi lters pollutants, Functions and Strategies for Manage- HRWC also provided technical assistance and stabilizes streambanks. The federal ment). and education outreach to the townships Clean Water Act requires the protection and their community planners, Carlisle/ of wetlands from degradation, but that HRWC has worked with community Wortman & Associates, Inc. protection generally does not encompass partners like Green Oak and Scio Town- ships and the Huron-Clinton Metropoli- riparian areas even though they provide as The example set by these two local gov- tan Authority to raise the profi le of the many functions as wetlands. HRWC agrees ernments is one HRWC would like to see followed by their upstream and downstream neighbors. *The Natural River districts are areas along the Huron River and Davis, Arms and Mill Creeks — Elizabeth Riggs identifi ed by local governments, citizens and the MDNR and designated under the authority of the Michigan Natural Rivers Act for preservation as a natural corridor. Restoring the Huron continued from previous page 6) Removing Argo Dam is a terrifi c qual- The reasons for removing Argo ity-of-life opportunity. Think of Delhi Dam are clear: a healthier river, Metropark, next to the old Delhi Bridge, cleaner water, tax money saved, where the Huron River is a dynamic, fast- and a once-in-a-lifetime opportu- moving current tumbling over light rapids, nity to create a gorgeous natural and you get some idea of the future of the area in the heart of the City of river in Ann Arbor when Argo Dam is gone. Ann Arbor. It will not be easy or convenient for the rowers to Better yet, when the water level drops move. But other local ponds can after the dam is removed, a full 30 acres of serve this special interest group land will emerge. The City already owns it. well, and so the benefi ts to the The result: a large river-front park on the City’s residents and the environ- Delhi Metropark - an example of what the river would northern gateway to the City. More green ment should take precedence. look like after Argo dam is removed. photo: HRWC space within city limits. New running paths and fun paddling without the portage. In coming months, the City will Natural buffers to protect the river from be studying the issues around both “dam legacy for the next generation by removing pollution. A revitalized North Main cor- in” and the “dam out” scenarios, and the Argo Dam and letting the Huron River fl ow ridor, a major entry point to the City. question will come before Ann Arbor’s freely. Visit the HRWC website for more City Council next spring, 2010. HRWC information: www.hrwc.org. It’s time to make a decision that will im- encourages the council to seize this op- pact Ann Arbor for a generation or more. portunity and leave a cleaner, greener —HRWC Staff

Huron River Report Fall 2009 Page 7 Fifth Annual Millers Creek Film Festival Kicks Off Make a film for the Huron River and compete for a $500 prize in three categories

enter as an individual or a group, and all ages and experience levels are welcome.

Winners of each category will receive $500, and their ﬁ lms will be shown at a gala public screening at the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor on March 19, 2010. HRWC will also use the ﬁ lms and PSAs in its public education and outreach

graphic: D. Nienhuis efforts.

Entries are due to HRWC by Tuesday, Tap into your creativity! Make a fi lm while Huron River watershed -- no restrictions February 2, 2010. To see past winners and the weather is good and the water is on topic. Any genre or style is welcome, for rules, entry forms, topic ideas and warm. HRWC is seeking short fi lms (under but judges tend to favor fi lms that are fi lmmaking resources go to www.hrwc. 5 minutes) and 30-second public service factually accurate and entertaining. org/fi lmfestival or contact Pam Labadie at (734) 769-5123 x17, [email protected]. announcements for its Millers Creek Film The three categories are: Short Films, Festival. Show the human connection to Short Films School-Age (K-12), and Public — Pam Labadie the Huron or incorporate at least one of Service Announcements. Filmmakers may six HRWC messages for protecting the

HRWC BOARD OF DIRECTORS HRWC STAFF

CITY OF ANN ARBOR GREEN OAK TOWNSHIP VILLAGE OF SOUTH Jennifer Fike Shirley Axon Fred Hanert ROCKWOOD Finance Manager Dick Norton (Exec. Comm.) HAMBURG TOWNSHIP Tim Walsh jﬁ [email protected] Eunice Burns (Exec. Comm.) Julie Metty Bennett SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP Pam Labadie Craig Hupy HURON TOWNSHIP John Langs (Chair) Marketing Director [email protected] Evan Pratt (Treasurer) Deeda Stanczak VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP Ric Lawson John Hieftje (alternate) Robert Stanczak (alternate) Dan Swallow Watershed Planner ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP LIVINGSTON COUNTY WALLED LAKE [email protected] Diane O’Connell (Exec. Comm.) vacant Lisa McGill Joan Martin VILLAGE OF BARTON HILLS VILLAGE OF MILFORD WASHTENAW COUNTY Adopt-A-Stream Director James Wilkes vacant Janis Bobrin (Exec. Comm.) [email protected] CITY OF BELLEVILLE MILFORD TOWNSHIP Scott Munzel Kris Olsson vacant Mary Bajcz WAYNE COUNTY Watershed Ecologist CITY OF BRIGHTON NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP Kurt Heise [email protected] Sue Monet Sue Shink WEBSTER TOWNSHIP Cynthia Radcliffe BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP OAKLAND COUNTY Eric Petrovskis (Exec. Comm.) Webmaster [email protected] Mike Slaton Chris Benedict (Exec. Comm.) W. BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP Elizabeth Riggs CITY OF CHELSEA VILLAGE OF PINCKNEY Gene Farber Watershed Planner Steven Wright vacant WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP [email protected] COMMERCE TOWNSHIP PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP vacant Laura Rubin vacant Sabrina Gross CITY OF WIXOM Executive Director DEXTER TOWNSHIP PUTNAM TOWNSHIP Michael Howell [email protected] Kathryn Bowring Keith Tianen VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE LAKE Margaret M. Smith VILLAGE OF DEXTER CITY OF ROCKWOOD vacant Director of Development Paul Cousins (Vice Chair) vacant CITY OF YPSILANTI [email protected] CITY OF FLAT ROCK SALEM TOWNSHIP Sally Lusk Paul Steen Watershed Ecologist vacant vacant Tom Roach [email protected] GENOA TOWNSHIP SCIO TOWNSHIP YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP Debi Weiker vacant Spaulding Clark Norm Andresen Watershed Program Associate Gerry Kangas (alternate) [email protected]

Page 8 Fall 2009 Huron River Report Laura’s “Stream” of Consciousness An update on HRWC projects and activities

THE ERB FAMILY FOUNDATION Given the hard economic We have a new foundation in Southeast times and lower stock Michigan that’s making a big splash. The market returns, a new Erb Family Foundation is a $100 mil- foundation focused on lion foundation focused on nurturing improving water quality environmentally healthy and culturally in Southeast Michigan is a vibrant communities in metro Detroit and blessing. Thank you to the supporting initiatives to restore the Great Erb Foundation for their Lakes Basin. In May they awarded HRWC a vision in supporting the generous grant of $75,000. protection of Michigan’s beautiful water resources While the grant is for general operating which are key to the support in the next year, we have identi- State’s economic recovery. ﬁ ed three speciﬁ c goals: THANKS TO OUR 1. Reach and engage a broader SUMMER INTERN audience to reduce non-point Colin Hume is a graduate Colin in action, measuring Portage Creek. photo: HRWC source pollution. student in the University 2. Make the river and streams cleaner by people adopting river of Michigan School of friendly practices (such as proper Natural Resources and the Environment, surveys for the U.S. Forest Service before disposal of household hazardous specializing in conservation biology and returning to school. His work this sum- waste and use of phosphorus-free environmental planning. mer focused primarily on the Bioreserve lawn fertilizer). Project where he helped us complete 3. Adoption of stronger natural Colin is originally from Seattle and attend- over 90 ecological assessments, learned resource protection ordinances ed Western Washington University where how to identify hundreds of plants, and (such as buffer, wetland, and he received a B.S. in Biology. He worked got thousands of mosquito bites – all for stormwater ordinances) by for several years out west, primarily in the cause. Thank you, Colin. local, regional, and state units of Montana and California, doing wildlife government. — Laura Rubin

Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.

Your membership supports MEMBER LEVELS HRWC programs. Send us ■ Photo: Jeff Oleksinski this membership form with $35 Mayfly your check made out to ■ $50 Crayfish “HRWC” or join on-line at ■ $100 Dragonfly www.hrwc.org and click on ■ $250 Soft Shell Turtle Join Now! Your contribution ■ $500 Salamander is tax-deductible. ■ $1,000 Smallmouth Bass Fulfilling Goals ■ $2,500 Great Blue Heron Leave a legacy by including the Huron River Watershed thank you! ■ $5,000 Mink Council in your will and estate plans. Please remember HRWC and our important watershed protection and Name restoration programs with a generous bequest in your will or trust. Help us meet the challenges of keeping our Address river running clean. If you have already included HRWC in your will, please let us know so we can thank you. City State Zip With your support the watershed will be enjoyed for many generations to come. Email Please contact us to discuss planned giving options. Phone Margaret Smith, Development Director. (734) 769-5123 x 19 , [email protected]

Huron River Report Fall 2009 Page 9 Summer Events Stewardship, sun and service in the watershed!

To all Thanks!the volunteers generously donated their time and energy to HRWC events who over the summer - we couldn’t do it without you!

HRWC volunteers staff an aid station for the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run. photo: HRWC HRWC volunteer Eric Bassey cooling off runners at the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run. photo: HRWC

Eunice Burns Thanks! and Shirley Axon for their dedication and count- An Ann Arbor resident identiﬁ es where less volunteer hours making she lives in the watershed at the Mayor’s Huron River Day happen. Green Fair. photo: HRWC HRWC holds a Rain Barrel Rafﬂ e at July’s Huron River Day. photo: HRWC Thanks! Bob Hospadaruk and Michigan Geocaching, Mike Mouradian and Ann Arbor Trout Unlimited for making Huron River Day a great experience for everyone.

Thanks! Barry Lonik for hosting the Black Train concert.

Black Train performs folk music for HRWC at Rancho Tranquilico in June. photo: HRWC

Page 10 FallFall 2009 Huron River RepoReportrt Summer Events Stewardship, sun and service in the watershed! Thanks! UM Swim Club, the many paddlers, Deputy Dezwan of the Washtenaw County Sherriff’s marine division, Donna Snyder, Liz Elling, Sue Van Appledorn, Melinda Colquitt, Elsie Orb and Paul Cousins for their help with the Huron River Swim of Baseline Lake.

After the swim at Baseline Lake. photo: HRWC

It was a perfect day for a community swim.

photo: HRWC

Geocacher Bob Hospadaruk teaches GPS uses at HRWC workshop. photo: HRWC

MCRA Thanks! and Tim Feldkamp who made the second members annual Huron River Professional Canoe Challenge at City possible, of Ann and Arbor to Janet Farrell Parks & Recreation.

Canoe racers at Gallup Park. photo : Lon Horwedel/The Ann Arbor News

Huron River Report Fall 2009 Page 11 Huron River Watershed Council NONPROFIT 1100 N. Main Street U.S. POSTAGE Ann Arbor, MI 48104 PAID (734) 769-5123 Ann Arbor, MI www.hrwc.org Permit #435

The Huron River Watershed Council receives contributions via payroll deduction through EARTH SHARE of Michigan.

Printed on 30% minimum post-consumer recycled content paper Thanks to Our Volunteers! Protecting the Huron is a big job and we would be lost without the donations of time, talents, and resources from our dedicated volunteers. We extend Special Thanks to:

Mary Lynn Thomson and Dave Wilson for The property owners who permitted fi eld 46 dedicated volunteers who took time to teaching Michigan Garden Club members assessments, the volunteers who per- learn the techniques, hide their thermom- about local water resources and natural formed fi eld assessments, and the volun- eters and take measurements to measure the areas, and for generously donating their fee. teers who completed roadside surveys of temperature of our rivers and streams this natural areas, all for the Bioreserve Project. past summer. Dennis Finseth, Nancy Stokes and Dave Wilson for teaching Willow Run High Laura Colangelo, Rachael Machiele, and Dave Polley, Bowei Zhao, Jesse Gordon, School students about the Willow Run Samantha Wolf for organizing and input- Michelle Eickholt, Lee Green, Julie Mida, tributary. ting Bioreserve Project data. Magda Herkhof, Allison Clements, Patti McCall, Anna Soehl, Mick Leiferman and Yan Michael Benham, Nancy Stokes and Dave Jacqueline Courteau for the Bioreserve Yan Zhang for their dedicated, high-quality Wilson for identifying sites for a potential Project Plant Identifi cation workshop. sampling of tributary sites twice-a-month this road management project. past summer. Lara Treemore-Spears, Lynn Kalfsbeek, Gary Crawford, Jill Kelley, Catherine and Jacqueline Courteau for the Biore- Beverly Black, Jenny Wein, Michelle Eickholt, Riseng, Sharon Brooks, Tom Jenkins, Don serve Field Assessment Training. Foster Lawson, and especially Mike McLean Rottiers, Jana Smith, Mike Steele, Roberta for their spontaneous help in chasing storms Carr and Greg Stevens for their expertise, Summer Interns Mike Chisholm and Jackie for fl ow measurement and water quality time and talents on BUG ID Day. Tennis for water quality monitoring and sampling. multiple other clean-water projects. Dr. Steve Francoeur and EMU Biology for Susan McClive and Excelda Manufacturing the gift of fi ve microscopes. Ted Hejka and the Ann Arbor Water for their substantial donation of books to our Treatment Plant staff for many overtime Books by Chance program. The City of Ann Arbor for their donation hours running storm analyses. of an auto-sampler and John Peterson and Solomon David for his guidance and assis- LimnoTech, Inc. staff for restoring it. Kerry and Char Klave of Klave’s Marina, Jo tance teaching HRWC staff how to catch and Latimore and Bob Nester for making the analyze fi sh population diversity in the Huron Alexander “AJ” Jaeckel for his help at the Portage Creek and Portage Lake training River. City of Ann Arbor Green Fair. workshops succesful.