This year’s Shiver On The River did not disappoint, with an estimated 500 plus visitors to Detroit’s beloved Belle Isle. The event hosted a variety of attractions such as children’s crafts, hiking, marshmallow roast, ice rescue demonstration, and an endless wealth of environmental information supplied by the many exhibitors.
The Belle Isle Casino hosted a number of returning vendors, as well as new participants like the Wayne County Department of Public Services. Susan Thompson, Wayne County Environmentalist, spent time educating event goers on the different types of water bugs that can be found in local bodies of water and how they help determine a river or lake’s cleanliness. In a hands-on extension , participants were taken to Blue Herring Lagoon on a Stone Fly hunt.
Children enjoyed many activities that were fun and educational. The Michigan Department of Community Health hosted a booth that let children “ice fish” to help them identify the different species of fish Michigan has to offer, and if their catch was safe to eat.
One of the many highlights of the afternoon’s festivities was the State of the Island speech given by the Belle Isle Park Supervisor, Joe Hall. Mr. Hall gave updates on the island’s projects such as the many new trees that have been planted and the restoration of utilities. Guests were pleased to hear that attendance had gone up for all of Belle Isle’s attractions.
Along with all of the Belle Isle excursions, families could also explore the Dossin Museum, Aquarium, Nature Zoo, Conservatory, and Coast Guard Station free of charge. After a day full of food, fun, and excitement, the 2015 Shiver on the River came to an end and left visitors with a plethora of information on Michigan’s environment and about all the great things happening on Belle Isle. Without a doubt, this event left participants looking forward to Shiver on the River 2016!
For more information on Belle Isle and upcoming events, visit www.belleisleconservancy.org
Article by Jenna Priest / GreeningDetroit.com’s resident Historian, who also helps to write afterglow stories for Greening Detroit events. She can be contacted via Email at: Jenna@GreeningDetroit.com