Join the Cleanup: Volunteers Needed for Rouge River Day on May 17 at the Farmington Hills Nature Center
City seeks 100 volunteers to help restore the Rouge River and protect natural resources
The City of Farmington Hills is seeking 100 volunteers to help protect and preserve natural resources at Rouge River Day on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Heritage Park, located at 24915 Farmington Road. In its 39th year, Rouge River Day is the City’s largest annual volunteer event at Heritage Park. The Farmington Hills Nature Center, Division of Public Works (DPW) and Parks Division are teaming up to host the event and are encouraging community members to join in.
Volunteers of all ages can contribute to this hands-on effort to restore and enhance the Rouge River watershed. Activities will include removing trash and debris from the river, clearing invasive species, planting native wildflowers and maintaining park trails.
“Rouge River Day is more than just a chance to volunteer — it's a celebration of community and our shared responsibility to protect the natural spaces we all enjoy,” said Ashlie Smith, supervisor of the Farmington Hills Nature Center. “This is a great opportunity for community members of all ages to come together and make a lasting impact on our local environment for future generations.”
Snacks and water will be available throughout the morning and a free lunch, courtesy of the City’s DPW, will be served at noon. Volunteers should dress for outdoor work, including long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes or work boots. Clean-up equipment will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own work gloves.
Prospective volunteers can register using the Rouge River Day Volunteer sign up form. For more information, please contact the Farmington Hills Nature Center at 248-473-1870.