Connecting people with nature in the heart of southeast Michigan

Jan. 2, 2020

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge aims to attract 100,000 visitors with its Refuge Gateway this spring

There will be lots “in store” for wildlife and nature fans visiting Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (DRIWR) this year.

The long-awaited Refuge Gateway, made possible with the help of multiple partners over the past 10 years, is on track to open this spring. Located on the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River, the Refuge Gateway is owned by Wayne County and collaboratively managed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Major features of its opening include the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Centre and its adjacent Humbug Marsh unit of the DWIWR, whose 410 acres include a world-class fishing pier and a handicap-accessible kayak launch.

Once open to the public, visitation is expected to be high—upwards of 100,000 from neighbors in all directions such as Ohio and Ontario, Canada.

“The refuge provides educational and recreational experiences with nature in an urban center,” says Joann Van Aken, executive director of the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance (IWRA), a non-profit organization that assists with fundraising for DRIWR initiatives. “Nowhere else in southeast Michigan can you find this environment—complete with fishing pier and an exhibit hall in the visitor center with all the information you could want at your fingertips.”

Enbridge is committed to sustainability—supporting conservation and stewardship efforts, while also helping to meet North America’s growing energy needs in ways that are economically, environmentally and socially responsible.

We’ve donated just under $22,800 to IWRA in support of the Canvasback Corner Nature Store, located within the visitor center. The funds helped to purchase educational materials and have also supported its traveling nature store.

Read the full story on the @enbridge blog channel.