Welcome!

Friends of the St. Clair River is Michigan's Thumb Coast largest environmental non-profit showing 40 miles of love to the St. Clair River Watershed since 2007. 

Our mission is to protect and restore the St. Clair River watershed through community education, environmental monitoring, hands-on stewardship and advocacy. Together with our partners we implement a variety of initiatives including water and land stewardship, water quality monitoring, river cleanups, advocate for healthy water, lead research-based ecosystem management, and promote responsible water-based recreation.

St. Clair County contains some of the most limited, valuable fresh water on earth and we are here to restore, protect and enhance the future of our waterways. St. Clair County’s waters are a big part of what is known as the “Blue Water Area” which got its name from the St. Clair River; a river of incredible sapphire colors.

Introducing families to our valuable natural resources is our business. Through education, monitoring, and restoration we are committed to helping families learn, explore and enjoy all that the Blue Water Area has to offer. We hope that this love of nature creates a lifetime of memories and stewards that will one day advocate for healthy rivers, clean water, and green spaces.

Our passion for the St. Clair River runs deep in the Blue Water Area, so welcome and thank you for stopping by! Get out and show the watershed some love!


Featured Events


Latest Blogs


One Water – Friends of the St. Clair River
We’re proud to tell our water story and how collaboration is essential to water quality across our region. Sponsored by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.

Sturgeon Festival
Since Sturgeon Festival was hatched in 2014, we have been highlighting the fascinating story of this ancient fish – a mascot for Great Lakes’ recovery. Blue Water Sturgeon Festival is our largest annual fundraiser, and supports our education and conservation programs. Produced by SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.


St. Clair River Area of Concern
The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the U.S. and Canada committed both governments to restore the St. Clair River. Sponsored by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority.


Exploring Southeast Michigan's Water Resources
The One Water Campaign invites you on a journey to explore Southeast Michigan's water resources. Sponsored by SEMCOG, Great Lakes Water Authority, and Cranbrook Institute of Science Fresh Water Forum.

Proud Members of:


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Our Sponsors: