June 24, 2005

Summer Discovery Cruises highlight art, science and history of Lake St. Clair, lower Detroit River

EDITORS: Television and print reporters interested in doing a story are encouraged to ride along. Please call to make arrangements.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.-The history and beauty of Lake St. Clair and the lower Detroit River come to life in July and August during this year's Summer Discovery Cruises, two-hour guided boat tours highlighting the science and natural features of these two waterways.

The tours, open to the public, are sponsored by Michigan Sea Grant, which is a joint program between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University; MSU Extension; and Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority.

One feature of the Lake St. Clair cruise is the St. Clair Flats-part of the largest freshwater delta in the world.

"The St. Clair Flats is a mystery to most Michigan residents," said cruise leader Steve Stewart of Michigan Sea Grant. "Yet this area is critically important to regional fishery and wildlife resources, offers a superb recreational environment, and is historically fascinating."

Discovery Cruises on the lower Detroit River take visitors through the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and the unique Humbug Island and marsh complex, which also boasts a compelling history.

The cruises are ideal for all age groups and perfect for a family outing. Both locations will host multiple cruises with the following six themes: Eagle's Eye Nature Cruise (Detroit River), St. Clair Flats Nature Cruise (Lake St. Clair), River of Time History Cruise, Great Lakes Science Cruise for Teachers, Flowing Ideas Art Cruise, Fisheries Cruise and Steamboat Stories Cruise.

The Steamboat Stories cruise will feature readings by Grosse Pointe author Patrick Livingston, who spent his summers in the 1960s as a crew member on eight shipping vessels. His book, "Eight Steamboats: Sailing Through the Sixties," is a 2005 Michigan Notable Book. It chronicles his adventures aboard ship during a time of cultural change.

"All the troubles you can imagine sailors getting into, I probably saw them," Livingston said. "The book also provides an account of growing up in Southeast Michigan in the late 1960s. I splice in a lot of cultural history."

The Lake St. Clair Discovery Cruises depart from the Metro Beach Metropark south marina and are scheduled for Aug. 19-24. Cruise times are 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The lower Detroit River Discovery Cruises depart from the Lake Erie Metropark marina and are scheduled for July 27-31, Aug. 3-7 and Aug. 10-14.

To learn more about each cruise, view the cruise schedule or download a registration form, visit the website, where fees are posted.