Rouge Rescue River Clean Up Grows in Popularity

Here’s what a group of 20 volunteers carving out a natural green space for residents of the Botsford Commons retirement community accomplished Saturday during made-to-order perfect spring weather:

• Cleared two large logjams from the Rouge River
• Filled dozens of garbage bags with trash
• Picked up too many piles of sticks and twigs to count

Botsford Commons Senior Community is a member of Friends of the Rouge, a local non-profit organization that works to promote the restoration and stewardship of the Rouge River ecosystem through education, citizen involvement and other collaborative efforts, for the purpose of improving the quality of life of the people, plants and animals of the watershed.

The Rouge Rescue group at Botsford Commons started last year with 11volunteers and has now attracted almost twice as many people to their cause – providing a nature area for residents and families to walk though, have a picnic, or just enjoy beautiful scenery right outside their door, all while helping maintain the function of the Rouge River.

“Overall, the day was a success,” said Maureen O’Connell, property management coordinator and Rouge River Clean Up lead,

“It was different this year in the fact that there were a lot more large logs that had been cut and sent our way,” O’Connell said. “The river area with the largest jam was at least 4-5 feet deep and about 30-40 feet across from one bank to the other.”

Three of the volunteers,workers from the maintenance and grounds department, worked the majority of their day in the river, which was extremely cold with a very strong current.

“We would have been lost without their leadership and I can’t wait for next year’s campaign.” she said.

If you would like to help in the future or have questions about this event, please contact Maureen O’Connell at (248) 426-6940.