These local restoration projects are part of the River Raisin Restoration Initiative program. All projects were launched in 2007 and slated for completion by December 2008.

Wild Rice Restoration

Students used three methods for re-seeding wild rice at the Charles and June Knabusch Mathematics and Science Center and in Lake Erie along DTE Energy property in Monroe in May 2008. 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.

In December 2008, Bill Paulson of the Anishinabeg Ojibwe Nation and Sah Kah Tay Indeginous Preservation Society on the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota presented a wild rice processing demonstration at Knabusch Mathematics and Science. He and Mike Neumann used Native American methods to prepare the wild rice for human consumption.

Tall Prairie Garden Installation

Monroe High School students prepared and seeded three acres of tall grass prairie at the Charles and June Knabusch Mathematics and Science Center. In Spring 2008, students prepared an 1,000-sqare-foot site as a seed source and learning laboratory where they will learn to identify native plants. The collected seeds will be reseeded for a prairie at other sites.

Rain Garden Installation

Orchard Center High School students installed of a 300 square-foot rain garden on the school grounds in May 2010. Scott Dierks of JF New in Ann Arbor assisted on this project and provided some of the new native plantings. The students learned the importance of rain gardens which divert rainwater runoff from buildings and filter it before allowing the water to soak into the ground. Rain gardens can filter out pollutants that would otherwise eventaully empty into the River Raisin.

Stream Bank Stabilization

Morenci High School students began working together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Lenawee Conservation District to create a stream bank stabilization project in Morenci. They studied different bioengineering methods for stabilizing soils and reducing erosion. The students presented their project to city council for approval in June 2008. Although well-received, the project was stalled due to another conservation group’s work.

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 in spring 2008. 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 (CREP). A local farmer presented his positive experience with the CREP program.

Wetland Habitat Restoration

Students at Saline High School observed and assessed conditions of a retention pond at the school and cleaned trash from the pond. With the help of an area wetland expert, they identified a variety of plants surrounding the pond. The Saline High School students visited the Saline Department of Natural Resources fisheries where they identified several fish that could be re-introduced to the pond. They gained approval from the school’s grounds crew to restore native plants around another pond on the school campus in September 2008. Two separate articles appeared in the Saline Reporter about the project. Read more.

They will seek support for additional activities from the district’s school board.

Flowering Rush Eradication

Working in partnership with the Monroe Drain Commission, RRI invited students from the Arthur Lesow Community Center students to 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. In late summer 2008, hundreds of volunteers devoted themselves to hand-pulling the invasive plant. In just two hours, the water flow improved considerably. Fewer than expected ALCC students were able to participate in the scheduled eradication day due to prior programming commitments at the community center. Students had the opportunity to participate in any of the remaining work dates. The project has increased public awareness and support.

Check out the project, progress, photos and view schedule of work dates (Thanks to Dan Stefanski, Monroe Drain Commissioner).Additional activities will be planned for 2009.