Ecorse Creek Watershed Support
In the early 2000’s, Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) worked with the Alliance of Downriver Watersheds (ADW) in developing and implementing the Ecorse Creek Watershed Management Plan (WMP). FDR continues to work with the ADW and the Ecorse Creek Committee to identify and implement ecological improvement projects.
In 2022-2023, FDR engaged with Ecorse Creek communities to identify 85 Potential Project Locations for ecological restoration. These projects are intended to help mitigate flooding, enhance water quality and fish/wildlife habitat, and increase access to recreation. In 2023-2024, the list of 85 locations was ranked to prioritize sites with the highest likelihood of positively impacting the community. All projects will align with, at least one, of the following Ecorse Creek WMP priorities:
Reduce Flooding
Reduce Stream Flow Variability
Watershed Management Sustainability
Improve Water Quality
Protect, Enhance, and Restore Riparian and In-Stream Habitat
Preserve, Increase, and Enhance Recreational Opportunities
Protect Public Health
Increase Public Education, Understanding, and Participation Regarding Watershed Issues
To view a map of the 85 potential project locations, click the button below.
During 2025 and early 2026, FDR will work with landowners, stakeholders, and the public to develop concept designs for two future projects in Allen Park, Dearborn Heights, and Lincoln Park. If you weren’t able to participate in concept development, feel encouraged to provide input here:
https://forms.gle/mxE5HqYecoc9VQru7
Looking forward, funding opportunities will be sought out to support project final designs, permitting, and construction.
Attend the Ecorse Creek Committee Meetings
The Ecorse Creek Committee meets virtually on the third Thursday of every month at 3:00 pm EST. Meetings are open to the public. If you would like to attend, or have any questions, please email McKenzi Waliczek at mwaliczek@detroitriver.org.
How You Can Get Involved
Do you live on the creek and experience flooding?
Consider submitting photos and information to the Flood Focus App. Reports (including past floods) can be made from a computer or smart phone. This information is tracked and compiled by Freshwater Future to track flooding in the watershed as well as the southeast Michigan region. For more information, visit https://freshwaterfuture.org/stormwater-tracking-app/.
Participate, or host, a cleanup on the Ecorse Creek
The Ecorse Creek Committee hosts litter cleanups on the creek throughout the summer, on the second Saturday of the month. The committee is always looking for volunteers and wants to expand cleanup efforts in new locations. If you’d like more information or want to get involved, email McKenzi Waliczek at mwaliczek@detroitriver.org. View the impact our volunteers had on the Ecorse Creek in 2025 below!
