Huron River Watershed Council

09/05/2026

News to Us: Ann Arbor restores Liberty Creek to protect waterways from pollutants

The City of Ann Arbor is restoring Liberty Creek, a branch of Allen Creek on the city’s west side, to improve stormwater quality and reduce pollution entering the Huron River. For years, eroding streambanks along Liberty Creek have washed sediment and contaminants downstream, prompting the City to restore native vegetation and sections of the creek. The nearly $2 million construction project is expected to wrap up this fall, with follow-up monitoring planned for next year.

Read the full story: https://www.wemu.org/wemu-news/2026-07-22/ann-arbor-restores-liberty-creek-to-protect-waterways-from-pollutants

Read more News to Us: https://www.hrwc.org/news-to-us-179/

A creek on the west side of Ann Arbor is being restored to improve the city’s stormwater quality. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

09/03/2026

Help Plant the Riverside Park Wet Meadow!

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

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.

For more information about the project and to sign up for email updates, visit riversidewetmeadow.crd.co.

09/02/2026

Make the storm drain connection! Storm drains are underground pipes that carry unfiltered rainwater, melting snow and pollution directly into our rivers, lakes and drinking water. Learn how to care for your curbside storm drain and keep it free-flowing by participating in HRWC’s Adopt-A-Storm-Drain program at www.hrwc.org/adoptastormdrain.

09/01/2026

Paddle, play and learn about the Huron River with the whole family at Ypsi Fall River Day!

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: Noon-3pm
New location this year: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti

Join the City of Ypsilanti, MI Government and the City of Ypsilanti Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission and HRWC for a free celebration of the Huron River and a day of river fun and learning.

🚣Paddle trips
🍦Ice cream
✏️Kids activities
🪶Wildlife demonstrations

Meet local recreation and sustainability organizations. Learn about river restoration and protection projects like the removal of Pen Dam and the Riverside Park wet meadow and statewide efforts to address PFAS.

www.cityofypsilanti.com/FallRiverDay

09/01/2026

Sax solo. Clinking of glasses. Crackling bonfire. Even a cork pop and a can cracking open. We tried the sound-effects trend for Suds for the River... and it turns out one guy can do all of it.

Join us for the real thing on Thursday, September 17, 6–9 pm at Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea. All in celebration and support of the river we love.

🍻Get your tickets today at www.HRWC.org/suds

08/31/2026

Our August News to Us highlights local water quality challenges, including algal blooms and bacteria, as well as promising steps towards restoration. This month’s articles look at a few initiatives to improve water quality in the Huron River and across Michigan, including a stream restoration project in Ann Arbor, a proposed fertilizer ordinance in Dexter, and a new statewide funding initiative to protect forested land.

Read the full stories at www.HRWC.org/blog, and sign up for our emails so you never miss a News to Us.

08/28/2026

Curious about our work with native mussels? Tune in to the The Stewardship Network webcast: Freshwater Mussel Monitoring and Relocation Ahead of the Peninsular Dam Removal!

September 9 | 12pm

You'll hear from HRWC's own Dr. Paul Steen, Director of Science about the science, fieldwork, and volunteer experience behind the effort — including why mussel monitoring may be one of the most unexpectedly rewarding ways to spend a day in a river.

Learn more and register at: https://stewardshipnetwork.org/webcast/2026-09/

08/26/2026

Last month our staff, volunteers, and interns waded into the Huron River in search of freshwater mussels. Curious why freshwater mussels matter to the health of the Huron? Learn more in our blog or watch the video below:
📝 www.hrwc.org/the-great-2024-huron-river-mussel-hunt/
📹 www.youtube.com/watch?v=st1oIEpuQ7o

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