Below are links to organizations and programs that may be beneficial to stakeholders in the Huron to Erie region.
Biodiversity Atlas
Explore Our Natural World: A Biodiversity Atlas of the Lake Huron to Lake Erie Corridor, WHC’s 2005 publication on the plants, animals and communities that make our region special, can be downloaded here.
Carolinian Canada
Carolinian Canada is a coalition working to conserve the ecological diversity of Canada’s most threatened natural region. Find information on habitats and species found in the Carolinian Zone of Canada, and get involved in a Conservation Action Plan for your area.
Conservation Districts (U.S) – find yours
For information and resources, your local conservation district is a great place to start. Many hold annual tree sales, and some rent specialized machinery for planting (“drilling”) native seed.
Detroit Audubon Society and Project Safe Passage
The Detroit Audubon Society (DAS) promotes awareness and protection of birds and their habitat through education, research and advocacy. Project Safe Passage asks owners and occupants of tall buildings to turn off lights and close blinds at night to protect migrating birds.
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Alliance
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge protects key wildlife habitat in a major metropolitan area. The Alliance is an independent “friends-of” organization that provides the refuge with community outreach, education programs, habitat restoration, special events support, volunteer staff, advocacy and fundraising.
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl through research, education and advocacy.
Ducks Unlimited in Michigan
Along with information and education, Ducks Unlimited staff can provide expertise and design for building or restoring wetland habitat.
Essex Regional Conservation Authority
ERCA supports municipalities and private landowners in conserving land and water quality, through erosion prevention, reforestation, wildlife habitat management and more. An interactive map at this site shows streams and watershed information.
Friends of the Rouge
Friends of the Rouge provides education and citizen science to involve communities in protecting quality habitats in and along the Rouge River and its tributaries.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment
From hunting licenses to rare and threatened species—this site is loaded with information. Check here to find out about dealing with nuisance and exotic wildlife. The department’s guide to controlling phragmites can be downloaded here.
Michigan Native Plant Producers Association
Check this site for a list of native plant nurseries who are members of the association. Other nurseries may carry some native plants, but these are the specialists who are committed to local seed sources.
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
MNFI provides information on location and attributes of species and biological communities throughout the state. Useful pages include maps of pre-European-settlement vegetation (what grew where before farms and cities), surface geology (broad characterizations of soils and topography), descriptions of particular community types and special species, and guidebooks for recognizing invasive plants.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
The ministry provides a wealth of information and insight about biodiversity and sustainability. An on-line Tree Atlas gives a suggested list of native trees to plant in your area.
The Stewardship Network
The Stewardship Network is a grassroots cooperative organization working to protect, restore, and manage Michigan’s natural lands and waters. It helps individuals, organizations, and businesses manage specific sites through sharing ideas, resources, and information. A free monthly webcast on various topics in habitat management is available.
Wildlife Habitat Canada
Wildlife Habitat Canada invests the proceeds from the sales of Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamps in habitat conservation initiatives across the country. Since 1985, Wildlife Habitat Canada has provided grants of over $35 million to hundreds of habitat conservation projects across the full range of Canadian landscapes and seascapes, as well as all provinces and territories, through its granting program.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory
Found an injured animal? Check this directory to find a wildlife rehabilitator near you. The site also includes background information about keeping wild animals wild, and what to do if/when you find an injured animal. Includes listings from U.S., Canada, and 21 other countries..
