Calendar of Events
Weekend Whittler Workshop: Craft Your Own Handline Fishing Reel (ages 17+) Sessions 1 & 2
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 1 PM- 3:30 PM and
Sunday, April 28, 2024, 1 PM – 3:30 PM
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
5437 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183
- PLEASE NOTE:Registration is required via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weekend-whittler-craft-your-own-handline-fishing-reel-ages-17-tickets-842785121987
- There is a limit to 10 people total.
- Age requirement is 17 years and up only.
- Michigan Fishing License required in order to participate in fishing activity during the second session
- All supplies are provided
This is a two-session workshop. Participants are expected to attend both days. Over the course of a two-session workshop at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, participants will connect to the legacy of handlining for walleye in the Detroit River through a unique folk craft.
During the first session participants will learn the basic methods of angling, be introduced to the rules of knife safety & whittling, then whittle their own handline fishing reel.
During the second session, participants will learn some simple biology about the walleye and its habitat, the history of handlining for walleye in the Detroit River, and then rig their hand reel with tackle. Participants will get to go outside to practice casting and head down to the pier at the Refuge Gateway to go fishing for walleye with their newly created handline fishing reels.
Story Time with a Park Ranger
May 18, 2024, 1 - 2 pm
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
5437 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183
No tickets required, but registration requested via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-a-park-ranger-tickets-860379567447
This event is intended for young children. Let's gather together to hear a story (or two) read aloud from a Park Ranger. We will also sing a few songs and get some wiggles out. Afterward, feel free to explore all that our Visitor Center has to offer.
Story Time with a Park Ranger
May 25, 2024, 1 - 2 pm
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
5437 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183
No tickets required, but registration requested via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-a-park-ranger-tickets-860385675717
This event is intended for young children. Let's gather together to hear a story (or two) read aloud from a Park Ranger. We will also sing a few songs and get some wiggles out. Afterward, feel free to explore all that our Visitor Center has to offer.
Free Fishing Pop Up
May 30, 2024
John D. Dingell Park
4501 W Jefferson Ave
Ecorse, MI 48229
Come join us at John D Dingell Park in Ecorse to learn about fishing and fish with a ranger! All are welcome, and no registration is needed! All fishing gear will be provided. Please dress for the weather, bring a friend, and carry water with you.
Fishing Fun Day!
June 8, 2024, 9 am - 1 pm
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
5437 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183
To register, email DetroitRiver@fws.gov. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and Wayne County Parks invite you to join us for Fishing Fun Day! Enjoy a fun day of FREE, interactive activities, giveaways, and fishing off the pier at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Bait and a limited number of fishing poles will be available, but it is recommended that you bring your own. Preregistration is not required for this free event but strongly encouraged. ALL ages and skill levels are welcome to participate!
Story Time with a Park Ranger
June 28, 2024, 1 - 2 pm
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
5437 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183
No tickets required, but registration requested via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-a-park-ranger-tickets-860385946527
This event is intended for young children. Let's gather together to hear a story (or two) read aloud from a Park Ranger. We will also sing a few songs and get some wiggles out. Afterward, feel free to explore all that our Visitor Center has to offer.
View more at the Refuge's web site: