Friends of the Rouge is a grassroots organization with over 800 members who are dedicated to restoring the Rouge River. They participate in a variety of special community projects and an annual Rouge Rescue cleanup, which has removed tons of natural and man-made debris from the river. They also sponsor an education program to teach elementary through high school students about water quality sampling and the importance of the Rouge River.

Participate in Friends of the Rouge Activities:

Rouge Riverwatch is an opportunity for you and your group to take year-round responsibility for the health and appearance of a section of the Rouge River or one of the streams that flow into it. As a member of the Rouge Riverwatch Program, you and your group can:

• Conduct cleanups of the stream and its banks
• Monitor the health of your stream
• Learn how to prevent water pollution
• Develop your own stream protection or enhancement projects

Storm Drain Stenciling is one way concerned people can inform others about pollution from storm drains. Various types of pollutants, such as oil, grease and antifreeze are poured down storm drains, which directly dump into the river. Many times this pollution comes from individuals who do not know that storm drains lead directly to the river. Stenciling storm drains with the words "Dump No Waste — Drains to Rouge River" informs people about this pollution source.

Stream Monitoring Program - How healthy is your local stream? Would you like to know what problems exist there, which animals do or could live in or near the stream, what uses you can make of the stream right now, and what its potential is for the future? By participating in the stream monitoring program you can get the answers to these questions, and help with correcting those problems. These surveys are wonderful, fun, educational experiences for all ages!

Workshops - Topics may include how to create a successful volunteer project; making, putting up and monitoring nesting boxes for birds, ducks and bats; water quality testing; backyard and/or worm composting; and storm drain stenciling. These workshops are free and open to the public.

For information on the Rouge Riverwatch, Storm Drain Stenciling, or Friends of the Rouge, call: Jim Graham, Executive Director at (313) 792-9900.

Rouge RAP Advisory Council (RRAC) RRAC represents all parties interested in the Rouge River Remedial Action Plan (RAP), which is the long-term clean up plan for the Rouge River. This group is responsible for advising the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on the update and implementation of the Rouge RAP. Six subcommittees address issues of concern: Habitat and Wildlife, Pollution Prevention, Finance, Public Education, and Watershed Management. Citizens and students are included in RRAC's membership, and anyone may participate in the RRAC's meetings or its committees. For information on the Rouge RAP Advisory Council, call: Allison McCormick, RRAC Assistant, (734) 432-1291.

Please address all comments and suggestions about the contents of this Web page to rougeweb@co.wayne.mi.us.

The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grants #XP995743-01, -02, -03, -04, -05, -06, -08 and C-264000-01.