State of the Strait Conference
September 17, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free I Registration Required
Limited Onsite Registration Available I Virtual Registration Available
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.
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:
In person registrations is now full! Please consider joining us virtually by registering below.
Location
Detroit Zoo Ford Education Center Theater
8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Register For In Person
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
State of the Strait Registration
Onsite Registration is Now Full I Virtual Registration Available
Virtual Attendee Information
Already registered for the 2026 State of the Strait Conference virtually via webinar? Below is your direct link to join the session, along with key details for participation.
Passcode: 752464
- The webinar opens at 8:50 a.m. ET.
- Programming starts at 9 a.m.
We recommend connecting 5–10 minutes prior to opening remarks to test your connection.
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