State of the Strait

Sept. 17, 2026

Free I Registration Required

Limited Onsite Registration Available I Virtual Registration Available

Free Admission I Registration Required

Discover the Power of Rewilding

For more than two decades, State of the Strait has brought together scientists, conservationists, policymakers and community leaders from both sides of the border to tackle the Detroit River and western Lake Erie corridor’s most pressing environmental challenges.

This year, the Detroit Zoological Society is hosting the event and shining a spotlight on rewilding. Rewilding is the deliberate, science-driven work of restoring ecosystems so they can function and eventually sustain themselves.

In a region defined by heavy industry, cross-border waterways and decades of environmental compromise, this conference shines a spotlight on the people and projects enabling rewilding in our watersheds.

State of the Strait

What to Expect

Keynote speakers and panel discussions tackling the science, policy and community dynamics of rewilding across the Detroit River watershed.
Networking with researchers, municipal leaders, nonprofit practitioners and private landowners who are already doing this work.
A shared vision for healthy ecosystems supporting the coexistence between humans and nature

How You Can Attend

In Person:

Join us in person at the Detroit Zoo to connect with fellow rewilding professionals and learn how we can work together to ignite positive change.

Location

Detroit Zoo Ford Education Center Theater
8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Virtually:

Get the full experience — right from your home! Virtual participants can hear from speakers and presenters and get their questions answered through a live Q&A.

A link to join virtually will be emailed directly to virtual registrants.

Agenda & Speaker Lineup

SOTS Conference Program (PDF)

State of the Strait Registration

In-Person or Webinar Options

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Why Rewilding? Why Now?

In 1985, the Detroit River was named a binational Area of Concern. Decades of restoration have brought us to the brink of delisting — a feat once thought impossible. While restoration fixes the past, rewilding asks if we can create landscapes that are self-sustaining.

With climate volatility and development pressures rising, this conference brings experts and advocates into one room to build a durable, biodiverse future for our region.