Director Dale Hall, Congressman John Dingell, Congressman John Conyers, and many future conservationists celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge on May 12, 2007 (photo credit: David Mitchell, DTE Energy)

The International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, Michigan Sea Grant, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are pleased to announce the completion of the wildlife observation deck at Humbug Marsh and the “ByWays to FlyWays”  bird driving tour map of southeast Michigan and southwest Ontario, Canada.

$100,000 was awarded for this project in 2006 by Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. Pathways to Nature Program, in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. 

The observation deck provides a great opportunity to view Humbug Island and Marsh, and unique birds in the area, with a spotting scope. Also dedicated will be an educational kiosk and an interpretive panel about the area’s unique wildlife.

The wildlife observation deck and the ByWays to FlyWays map are designed to bring people and nature together. The wildlife observation deck was constructed by Lincoln Park High School Agriscience Program.  The kiosk was constructed by DTE Energy’s Trenton Channel Power Plant and Green Team, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters – Local 687, Laborers’ International Union of North America – Local 499, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 17, and U.W.U.A., Local 223, AFL-CIO. 

The ByWays to FlyWays map was created by avid birders, interested citizens, and Hamilton Anderson Associates.  See link to web version of ByWays to FlyWays map: www.mac-web.org/DiscoverOurWildSide

“This wildlife observation deck and bird driving tour map are an excellent example of what we are doing through public-private partnerships to provide an exceptional outdoor recreation and conservation experience to improve the quality of life of people in metro Detroit,” notes Congressman John Dingell.  “This project demonstrates our commitment to reconnecting children and families to nature and to helping develop the next generation of conservationists.”

The project was made possible through a grant from the Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. Pathways to Nature Conservation Fund, a program of the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and by the many contributing partners including: Michigan Sea Grant; The AT&T Foundation; Praxair; the Lincoln Park High School Agriscience Program; DTE Energy’s Trenton Channel Power Plant and Green Team; Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters – Local 687; Laborers’ International Union of North America – Local 499; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 17; U.W.U.A., Local 223, AFL-CIO; Metropolitan Affairs Coalition; Mid-American Group; Stoneco of Michigan; Hoppert Farms; Snow’s Nursery; Davey Tree Service; Gibraltar Department of Public Works; Monroe Fence; Mans Lumber and Millwork; Brand Scaffolding Services; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Byways to Flyways Advisory Team.