River Revival: Exploring Detroit River Restoration in Sandwich Town

River Revival: Exploring Detroit River Restoration in Sandwich Town

Friday, May 1st from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Host: Madison Dugdale - Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) (Facebook / Instagram)

The Detroit River shoreline in Sandwich has been transformed through decades of restoration, stewardship, and community action. At McKee Park, shoreline improvements in 2003/04 created rock islands, a submerged reef, and sand-and-cobble habitat to protect the embayment from strong currents while enhancing fish spawning and feeding areas—particularly for young Lake Sturgeon. Additional projects at Queen’s Dock Park and Brock Park have introduced naturalized shorelines, root wad fish habitat, native plant rain gardens, and expanded urban tree canopy. Community efforts have removed thousands of pounds of litter, planted hundreds of native trees, and delivered hands-on environmental experiences that strengthen both habitat and neighbourhood resilience. 

These local efforts are part of a larger story of renewal along the Detroit River—the first and only river to receive both Canadian and American Heritage River designations in 2001. Once heavily polluted during rapid industrialization, the river was designated a Great Lakes Area of Concern under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, prompting coordinated cleanup through the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) and its partners. Through habitat restoration, pollution prevention, scientific monitoring, and cross-border collaboration, the river continues its remarkable recovery—demonstrating how strong partnerships, community leadership, and environmental stewardship can restore a globally significant waterway. 

About the host:

Under the 1987 Amendment to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, 14 “beneficial uses” were identified and used to establish 43 Areas of Concern (AOCs) within the Great Lakes. These beneficial uses generally include recreational, ecological, and economic benefits that come from a healthy aquatic environment. When the quality of the aquatic environment is degraded and cannot support the intended beneficial use due to local sources of pollution, they are designated as impaired and cleanup actions are identified to restore the beneficial use. The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup implements the Remedial Action Plan on behalf of a community-based partnership between the government (federal, provincial, municipal), local industries, researchers, environmental organizations, and citizens working together to protect, restore, and enhance the Detroit River ecosystem.

Event type:

Jane’s Walk - One hour guided walking tour

Starting/Ending location of the walk:

McKee Park, starting at the Pavilion

3026 Sandwich St., Windsor

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vH4audEyBc4ft9uC8

Walking distance:

Participants can expect to walk 2 km.

Audience:

• All ages welcome

  
  

Accessibility Notes: 

• Easy route: paved sidewalks/pathways, minimal hills

• Wheelchair friendly: step-free route with curb cuts and wide path

• Baby stroller friendly: paved paths and no stairs

  
  

Is there a bathroom nearby?

• No bathroom available

  
  

Where can attendees park?

• Free parking lot at the starting/ending location

• Free street parking around the starting/ending location

• Free parking lot within 1-2 blocks

  
  

Are dogs welcome?

• Dog friendly: participants can bring leashed dogs