IWRA

Dedicated to helping the US Fish and Wildlife Service deliver the mission of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
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Come volunteer at the Refuge!

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge represents a new model for conservation by restoring vital habitats in an urban area through innovative public-private partnerships. If this sounds like a fun and challenging opportunity, then consider becoming a volunteer at the Refuge. Click here to learn more.

2018 D R I W R annual reportThe 2018 Annual Report is now available to be viewed and downloaded online.

Click here to go to the report.

 
2018 John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Awards

On April 17, 2018, at Gibraltar City Hall, two John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Awards were given in recognition of leadership and dedication to conservation on the Detroit River and western Lake Erie Basin.  This year’s honorees were Richard E. Mills (Individual Award) and The Nature Conservancy (Non-Profit Award).

Read more about the awards and the recipients here (PDF).

2018 John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Award to Richard Mills


IWRA Chair Richard Micka, Deputy District Director Michael Klotz (representing Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and John Dingell), Richard and Cheryl Mills, and IWRA Executive Director Joann Van Aken.  The 2018 Friend of the Refuge- Individual Award was presented to Mr. Richard Mills on Tuesday, April 17 at Gibraltar City Hall.  Photo: Mark Messer

2018 John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Award to The Nature ConservancyIWRA Chair Richard Micka, Deputy District Director Michael Klotz (representing Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and John Dingell), TNC Restoration Director Chris May, IWRA Executive Director Joann Van Aken, and TNC Associate State Director Patrick Doran.  The 2018 Friend of the Refuge- Non-Profit Award was presented to The Nature Conservancy on Tuesday, April 17 at Gibraltar City Hall.  Photo: Mark Messer
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John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Awards for 2017

On May 15, 2017 at the Gibraltar (MI) City Hall, the IWRA announced the winners of this year's John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge awards, in recognition of leadership and dedication to conservation on the Detroit River and the western Lake Erie Basin. The honorees were Dr. Russell G. Kreis, Jr. (individual honoree); Michigan Sea Grant (non-profit honoree), and CN Rail (corporate honoree). Read more about each recipient and the awards. Click on the photos to enlarge.
2017 John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Awards 2017 John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Awards 2017 John D. Dingell Friend of the Refuge Awards


New Refuge Visitor Center named for John D. Dingell, Jr.

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge visitor center to be named for former US Representative John D. Dingell, Jr.
Detroit News photo by Todd McInturf

At a ceremony January 14, 2017, officials with the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge announced that the new visitor center, currently under construction, will be named for former US Representative John D. Dingell, Jr. Dingell, who served nearly sixty years in Congress, championed the refuge as well as a host of environmental initiatives and conservation legislation.


 
New Regional Treaty a Boost for Migratory Birds

Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds logoMore than fifty people, including students from the Ralph J. Bunche Preparatory Academy, assembled on the Detroit Riverwalk to witness Metropolitan Detroit become the 29th U.S. city in the Urban Bird Treaty program. The program was established in 1999 as a collaborative effort among federal, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions to create bird-friendly environments and to provide citizens the opportunities to connect with nature through birding and conservation activities.

Read more about the signing in this article from the Trenton (MI) Tribune.


 
Project S.N.A.P. Mosaic Mural Coming Soon

Project S.N.A.P. mosaic tiles 1  + Project S.N.A.P. mosaic tiles 2 + Project S.N.A.P. mosaic tiles 3 = Project S.N.A.P. mosaic mural
We have received all the funding that was needed for the Project S.N.A.P. Mosaic Mural. Thank you to all who contributed; we greatly appreciate the support!

The mural will be revealed with the grand opening of the Refuge Visitor Center.
Blue Goose Bus Fund - Help students visit the Refuge!

School busThe IWRA's Blue Goose Bus Fund will help schools and educators experience the Detroit River IWR by helping to offset the costs of bus transportation to and from the Refuge.
For more information, contact Executive Director Joann Van Aken at iwr_alliance@yahoo.com or 734-692-7671.
Construction on the Fishing Pier Continues:
completion expected soon

Fishing pier construction design image Fishing pier construction underway
For more photos of the design and the construction, visit the Photo Gallery page.

Calendar page imageThe 2021 Calendar of Events for the International Wildlife Refuge is now online. Check the dates for an event.



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