We were able to sit and film with Michigan Representative Debbie Dingell out at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Humbug Marsh Unit.
These 405.16-acre wetlands are critical to the health of our Detroit Riverโs ecosystem. This tranquil nature preserve is dear to Michigan Representative Dingell because it was her late husband Representative John Dingellโs passion and vision to ensure these wetlands are protected. Rep. John Dingell also passed the Clean Water Act back in 1972 when no one was concerned about the health of the waterways that follow to and from the Detroit Riverโs 32-mile stretch. Today, due a great deal to this Clean Water Act, the Detroit River might be at one of its healthiest stages of its life besides that of when our native American ancestors once inhabited the riverbanks.
๐๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
We were also able to spend a morning sailing up and down the Detroit River filming with biology students from Cass Tech High school in Detroit. Through a special program created at the University of Michigan by Dave Porter, professor of English and comparative literature โ the Detroit River Story Labโs Skiff and Schooner Program โ working closely with Inland Seas out of Traverse City, the students were able to move around to five different stations while sailing on this majestic vessel to learn about the various aspects of the rich ecosystem on the Detroit River as well as learn about the important history of the river.
Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) is a non-profit organization in Suttons Bay that has provided hands-on education to all ages aboard traditionally rigged tall ship schooners, along the shores of the Great Lakes, and in local rivers, streams, and wetlands since 1989.
The Skiff and Schooner Program engages students to learn in new ways that allows them to become marine biologists, social scientists, and sailors for the day. This exciting experience increases the students' connection to the Detroit River and nature which encourages the development of environmental stewardship.
Detroit River Story Lab Skiff and Schooner Program: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/detroit-river-story-lab/
Inland Seas: https://schoolship.org/