Friends of the Rouge and the Alliance of Rouge Communities have organized native garden design workshops in metropolitan Detroit to educate residents about the ecological and economic benefits of gardening with native wildflowers and grasses.

The leading source of pollution in the Rouge River is contaminated stormwater. The quantity of rainwater that rushes to the river during every rain event wreaks havoc on the river system and undermines the great work that has been done to improve water quality. When the river rapidly rises, stream banks are stripped of vegetation and sediment enters the water. This clogs the gills of fish and insect larva the fish feed on.

Watershed residents can easily reduce the amount of rainwater that leaves their property by creating attractive native gardens that are strategically placed to absorb rain water.

Workshop dates and locations:

• Wednesday, March 5, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
  Livonia Civic Center Library, 32777 5 Mile Road, Livonia
• Monday, March 31, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
  Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills
• Tuesday, April 15, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
  Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George Ave, Dearborn Heights

Optional expert assistance is available for a limited number of workshop attendees immediately following the workshop. Interested persons are encouraged to register early as space is limited. Registration is required for expert assistance. Information and registration is available online or by calling 313-792-9621.