As the busy programming season winds down, the Conservancy salutes the accomplishments of its outstanding corps of riverfront volunteers, which increased by more than 100 since the beginning of the year.

From the rain barrel workshop in the spring to GM River Days in the summer to the Tour de Troit bike ride in the fall, more than 300 volunteers spent thousands of hours along the riverfront, helping to keep the riverfront a clean, safe, and inviting destination for visitors.

In addition to the above-mentioned programs, volunteers lent valuable time and energy to ensure the success of a full calendar of riverfront programming, including the Detroit River Water Festival, Kids’ Fishing Fest, DMC RiverWalkers, Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront, Movie Night in the Park, more than a dozen charitable walks and runs and the Conservancy’s Placemaking initiatives.

To show appreciation for our volunteers, the Conservancy hosted a variety of enrichment activities throughout the year, such as a private tour of the Elevator Building, an Appreciation Night along the riverfront and a luncheon at the legendary Rattlesnake Club.  This month, volunteers were treated to a private, docent-led visit to Belle Isle’s Dossin Great Lakes Museum.

As the Conservancy completes its second full year of the program, multiple volunteer applications are received each week, demonstrating increased interest among the public to give back to the riverfront community through volunteerism.