These local restoration projects are part of the River Raisin Restoration Initiative program. All projects are slated for completion by December 2008.

Wild Rice Restoration

In May 2008, students at Bolles Harbor Math and Science used three methods for re-seeding wild rice at the Bolles Harbor Math and Science Center and in Lake Erie along DTE Energy property in Monroe. Students transplanted seedlings that were sown in March and kept in aquariums until planting. They also placed seed balls, formed by rolling wild rice seeds inside clay, in the shallows of the wetland near the center. Students were escorted to DTE Energy property where they broadcast seeds into Lake Erie near the shoreline.

Volunteers continue to search for a wild rice species native to southeast Michigan. Once the native species is located and identified, students and volunteers will harvest the source beds and the seeds collected will be re- sown at Sterling State Park.

Tall Prairie Garden Installation

Monroe High School students plan to restore three acres of tall grass prairie at the Bolles Harbor Math and Science Center and install a native plant garden. Students have prepared an 1,000-sqare-foot site as a seed source and learning laboratory where they will learn to identify native plants.

Rain Garden Installation

Orchard Center High School students will install a 3,000 square-foot rain garden on the school grounds with assistance from the Monroe County Drain Commissioner and AmeriCorps. Initial planning has begun and a garden design will be finalized soon.

Stream Bank Stabilization

Morenci High School students will work together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Lenawee Conservation District to create a stream bank stabilization project on Bean Creek in Morenci. They will be experimenting with different bioengineering methods for stabilizing soils and reducing erosion. Students will present their project to city council for approval in June 2008.

Grass Filter Installation

Students at Deerfield High School walked the ditch along Bucholtz Highway, as well as the Brenott and Camp drains making observations and collecting data. The monitoring samples were tested for nitrates and fecal coliform at the Lenawee Intermediate School District Votech Center.

In May 2008, the students presented a PowerPoint presentation to educate area farmers and promote the adoption of grass filters as a way to reduce agricultural run-off into drains and the River Raisin. Lauren Lindermann of Lenawee Conservation District also presented information regarding the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.

Wetland Habitat Restoration

In preparation for converting an existing retention pond to its original wetland habitat by restoring native aquatic plants, Saline High School students have been cleaning trash from the pond. Students will monitor for macroinvertabrates and amphibians once the plantings are established. Read more.

Flowering Rush Eradication

Working in partnership with the Monroe Drain Commission, Arthur Lesow Community Center students will assist in the removal of the invasive wild flowering rush from the River Raisin near Sisters' Island and Veternan's Park in the City of Monroe. Check out the project, progress, photos and view schedule of work dates (Thanks to Dan Stefanski, Monroe Drain Commissioner).