Help with Rouge River Rescue June 2 in Farmington, Farmington Hills

Volunteers are needed to help sustain local natural resources during Rouge Rescue 2012 on Saturday, June 2, in Farmington and Farmington Hills. 

Rouge Rescue began more than 25 years ago as a trash clean-up, and evolved to include more restoration activities as conditions improved. 

“People don’t realize the positive impact just one day of working along the river can have,” said Cyndi Ross, River Restoration Program Manager for Friends of the Rouge.  “It’s great to see residents take ownership of the river, it helps change the mindset that it’s someone else’s problem. It’s also a great way to meet your neighbors and have fun.”

Volunteers should wear long pants and long sleeves to protect themselves from poison ivy.  Helpful items to bring: water, snacks, shoes or boots they don’t mind getting dirty, hat, sunscreen, bug spray and a change of clothes. Gloves will be provided.

In Farmington, a group will work from 9 a.m. to noon weeding a native buffer and removing invasive plants along the river corridor at in Farmington. To join them, call 313-972-9621. 

Rescue projects are happening at three locations in Farmington Hills:

Canterbury Commons Subdivision: Volunteers will help with native plantings and trash clean-up along creek, and everyone is welcome. Learn more by sending an email to belliott0@yahoo.com. 

: Volunteers are needed for trash cleanup, invasive plant removal, and stream work, from 9 a.m. to noon. The first 50 participants to sign in outside the Heritage Park Visitor’s Center will receive a free Rouge Rescue t-shirt and all participants will enjoy a free picnic lunch. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants and long sleeves, as well as sturdy work boots. For more information or to pre-register, call the Division of Public Works at 248-871-2850 or e-mail tpieron@fhgov.com. 

: Volunteers are needed to pick up debris along Minnow Creek/Drain and at two connecting ponds, and for woody debris management and clean up activities. Call 248-522-3405 to learn more.

For a complete list of projects, visit therouge.org.