Huron River Watershed Council

06/11/2026

News to Us: Freshwater mussels in Michigan, other states, get new environmental protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated over 3,800 miles of rivers as critical habitat to protect four endangered freshwater mussel species, including the rayed bean, sheppnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. In Michigan, protected areas include parts of the Huron River, Clinton River, and River Raisin, as well as several other rivers and creeks across Michigan. Mussels are vital for ecosystem health because they filter water, but they remain endangered due to pollution, dams, and habitat loss. The new protections aim to improve water quality, reduce contaminants, and mitigate invasive species in an effort to support mussel populations.

Read the full story: https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/freshwater-mussels-michigan-new-environmental-protections/

Read more News to Us: https://www.hrwc.org/news-to-us-176/

Four freshwater mussel species now have additional federal protections as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designates over 3,800 miles of rivers as critical habitat.

06/10/2026

Southeast Michigan's stormwater system was built for a different climate. When it's overwhelmed, untreated water can overflow into our rivers and lakes.

HRWC's Executive Director Rebecca Esselman testified before the Michigan State House requesting $12.5 million for the Rain Catchers Collective, a five-year investment in green stormwater infrastructure alongside our partners organizations: Clinton River Watershed Council, Friends of the Detroit River, and Friends of the Rouge.

Rain gardens, bioswales, and native plantings capture stormwater before it ever hits the storm drain. Our organizations, alongside other partners, have already delivered 1,500+ projects capturing more than 19 million gallons of runoff per year. We know this works and we're asking the State to help us scale it.

Learn more about the program at HRWC.org/raincatchers

06/09/2026

Here's how to tell if something might be a harmful algal bloom and report it to the state

Michigan's department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has a new process for reporting harmful algal blooms (HABs). Learn how to identify an HAB and report it: https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2026-06-01/heres-how-to-tell-if-something-might-be-a-harmful-algal-bloom-and-report-it-to-the-state

Learn more about HABs from HRWC: https://www.hrwc.org/our-watershed/threats/harmful-algal-blooms/

Michigan's environment department has a new online form that people can use to report suspected harmful algal blooms — usually bright green patches of lake water.

06/08/2026

It's Great Lakes and Fresh Water week!

Water from 7 counties flows into the Huron River and out to Lake Erie.
Learn how you can protect fresh water at your own home, like picking up pet waste, at www.HRWC.org/take-action

06/08/2026

Rain gardens are one of the most powerful tools we have to protect the Huron River. HRWC is expanding our Rain Catchers Collective in the Huron across the watershed to offer more green stormwater infrastructure services to residents, municipalities and community groups. Rain Catchers have already installed over 1,500 projects that capture and treat more than 19 million gallons of stormwater runoff annually. Read the full blog to learn more at www.hrwc.org/hrwc-to-grow-rain-catchers/

06/05/2026

We’re hiring! We’re looking for an enthusiastic river-lover to coordinate our volunteer water quality monitoring program. If you love working with people, collecting and analyzing data, and protecting water resources, this position is for you!

If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply if you feel you have the experience to thrive in the role, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.

Visit www.HRWC.org/jobs to read the full position description including responsibilities, qualifications, compensation and benefits.

We’ll begin reviewing applications on June 22, 2026.

06/04/2026

Last week's Summer Intern Highlight - digging a rain garden!

Our summer interns got a crash course in rain garden design and construction. It was a long day of digging, but they learned a lot and got the job done. Nice work, team!

06/03/2026

News to Us: State report says 2025 was a wild ride for Michigan's forests

Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ 2025 forest health report describes a year marked by progress and major challenges, including climate variability, invasive species, and extreme weather. A major 2025 March ice storm caused widespread damage to trees in the northern Lower Peninsula, requiring long-term reforestation and intentional harvesting. In addition, 2025’s erratic rainfall stressed trees and increased forest vulnerability to disease, pests, and wildfire. The report also warns that climate change will likely continue to stress Michigan’s forests in unpredictable ways and affect ecosystem health.

Read the full article: https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2026-05-04/state-report-says-2025-was-a-wild-ride-for-michigans-forests

Read more News to Us: https://www.hrwc.org/news-to-us-176/

The 2025 edition of Forest Health Highlights from the state Department of Natural Resources outlines how Michigan’s forests faced ongoing challenges from invasive species, climate change, and natural disasters.

06/02/2026

Whether you are using native plants in your landscaping or for a rain garden, your yard can do so much for our watershed! Native plants support pollinators, reduce runoff, and once established, are low maintenance.

Swipe for tips, local native plant nurseries, and info on the Native Plant Expo at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds!

Learn more about rain gardens at www.HRWC.org/landscaping
Learn about HRWC's Rain Catchers Program at www.HRWC.org/raincatchers

06/01/2026

News to Us: House panel takes testimony on dam safety reforms as heavy rain strains structures across Michigan

Michigan lawmakers are considering new dam safety legislation following recent heavy rains and lessons from the 2020 Edenville and Sanford dam failures. The proposed bill, HB 5485, would strengthen oversight by increasing inspection frequency, requiring dam owners to prove financial capacity for repairs, and mandating updated emergency plans. It also includes licensing requirements and improved coordination between state and federal regulators.

You can read testimony from HRWC’s Rebeccca Esselman in support of HB 5485 here: https://www.hrwc.org/aging-dams-and-rising-risks/

Read the full article: https://michiganadvance.com/2026/04/30/house-panel-takes-testimony-on-dam-safety-reforms-as-heavy-rain-strains-structures-across-michigan/

Read more News to Us: https://www.hrwc.org/news-to-us-176/

House panel takes testimony on dam safety reforms as heavy rain strains structures across Michigan