Presented To - Michigan Water Environment Association

Presented to:
Michigan Water Environment
Association Watershed Seminar
December 5, 2013
Tonya Hunter, LLA, CA
Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc.
What is Green Infrastructure?
Green infrastructure is the interconnected network of open spaces
and natural areas, such as greenways, wetlands, parks, forest preserves
and Native Plant Vegetation, that naturally manages storm water,
reduces flooding risk and improves water quality.
Objectives
Promote and encourage the establishment of Green Infrastructure in
the Rouge River Watershed
Increase public awareness about the benefits of grow zones, tree
planting programs and other methods that increase green
infrastructure, and,
Encourage collaboration and partnerships between ARC communities
and non-profits, school districts, educational institutions and others to
improve the Rouge River Watershed.
Eligibility Requirements
Be located within the Rouge River Watershed
Be readily accessible to the public
Be located on public land or part of a public easement
The applicant is responsible for preparing the site for planting
The applicant must commit to operation and maintenance of the
project for a minimum of five years
Applicants must be an ARC member community in good standing or
have a letter of support from the ARC member community where the
project will take place
2009 ARC Green Infrastructure Projects
 Parkland Park
 Miller Elementary
 E.L. Johnson Nature Center
 Plymouth Township DPW
 UM - Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center
 Bingham Farms
 Dearborn Heights
 Bloomfield Hills
 Heritage Park
 Farmington Hills
 Lathers Elementary School
 Garden City
 Lawrence Technological University
 Southfield
 Canton Public Library
 Canton Township
 Bloomfield Hills
 Carpenter Lake
 Southfield
 Canton
 Telegraph Median
 Melvindale Ice Arena
Grow Zone Project Status
Parkland Park – Dearborn Heights
Before 2009
August 2012
July 2010
September 2013
E.L. Johnson Nature Center – Bloomfield Hills
Before 2009
May 2012
July 2011
July 2011
September 2013
Canton Public Library - Canton Township
Before 2009
July 2010
September 2013
August 2012
City of Bloomfield Hills
Planting - 2009
Planting - 2009
September 2013
August 2012
Plymouth Township DPW
Before 2009
July 2010
July 2011
July 2012
Telegraph Median – Bingham Farms
Before 2009
Planting Day – June 2013
September 2013
City of Melvindale
July 2010
July 2011
September 2013
August 2012
2010 ARC Green Infrastructure Projects
E.L. Johnson Nature Center – Bloomfield Hills
Canton Public Library – Canton Township
Canton Trail Head – Canton Township
Sheldon-Warren Wetland – Canton Township
Bingham Farms – 14 Mile/Bingham Lane
Cleveland Elementary - Livonia
Bicentennial Park - Livonia
Northville Township – Six Mile/Ridge
Carpenter Lake – Southfield
Cleveland Elementary - Livonia
June 2010
August 2012
July 2010
September 2013
July 2011
Northville Township
Before 2009
June 2012
July 2010
July 2011
October 2013
2011 ARC Green Infrastructure Projects
Shiawassee Park - Farmington
Riverside Park – Beverly Hills
Founders Sports Park – Farmington Hills
Henry Ford Community College – Dearborn
Jane Addams Elementary – Redford Township
Glen Oaks Golf Course –Farmington Hills
Birney K-8 Southfield – Southfield
Heritage Park - Canton Township
Riverside Park – Beverly Hills
June 2011
July 2011
September 2013
June 2012
Henry Ford Community College (MTEC) –Dearborn
Before – March 2011
May 2012
September 2013
Jane Addams Elementary – Redford
June 2011
July 2011
June 2012
September 2013
July 2011
Birney K-8 School - Southfield
Before – February 2010
June 2012
September 2013
Positive Reinforcement
Awarded to 10 Sites
Recognized for Commitment to
Stewardship

Transforming the Rouge: Mowed Down to Grown Up

Improve, Install and Enhance Riparian
Buffers, Wetlands and Upland Habitat
in the Rouge River Watershed
Unite the Major Green Corridors along
the Rouge River
Develop Consistent Priorities for
Restoration Implementation
Improve Rouge River Fisheries
Transforming the Rouge: Mowed Down to Grown Up
6 sites across the watershed
Southfield Valley Woods Wetland
 7 acres restored
Lower and Upper Rouge Parkway
Lola Valley Park
Eliza Howell and Rouge Park
 Approximately 25 acres turf grass
converted to native vegetation

Lower and Upper Rouge Parkway

15 acres of turf grass
converted to native vegetation
Before
Before
After
After
Rouge Park and Eliza Howell Park
5 acres of native prairie
restored
5 acres of turf grass converted
to native vegetation
Controlled burns
Seed installation by students

Before
After
Additional Green Infrastructure Programs

Purchase and installation of 2,000 trees
Green Schools: 225 trees and hundreds of
seedlings
Workshops
 Naturalizing home and golf course landscapes
 Maintenance
3,600 rain barrels sold
Recipe for Success
 Site Selection
 Choose a location that can be converted from mowed turf or an impervious
surface to a native planting area
 Design
 Develop a planting plan that incorporates native plants that are appropriate to
your specific conditions. Use seed, plants or a combination of both
 Site Preparation
 May include vegetation removal/herbicide application, tilling, soil amendments,
soil erosion control measures, mulching, etc.
 Plant Installation / Volunteer Planting Day
 This is a great opportunity for parents, students, and the community to get
involved
 Maintenance
Maintenance
Watering
Weeding
Invasive Species Removal
Mowing / Burning
Replace and Replant
Watering
Especially critical during plant establishment
(1” total water per week, including rainfall, until vegetation is 4”
high typical)
Soak the soil below the mulch (pull back mulch to check)
During excessive heat or drought more may be required
Weeding and Invasive Species Removal
Inspect planting area on a weekly basis and remove unwanted species
Identify invasive species . Treat and remove to prevent them from
spreading
Hand removal or herbicide treatment (spot spraying) may be required
Mowing and/or Burning
Restores vegetation structure, composition and biodiversity
Burning:
 March or April by experienced crews.
 One to three years after third year of establishment.
 Check with local fire regulations and obtain the appropriate permits.
Mowing: Early spring (March – April)
 Mow to height of 4 -6” and remove clippings.
General Maintenance
Check plant health and re-plant as necessary. Schedule
replacement plantings for the spring or fall
Thin, divide, and/or remove extra plants if overcrowding
occurs.
Replace mulch in planting beds as needed.
If bare areas occur, additional seeding or planting may be
necessary. Periodically inspect for debris and/or erosion
issues and address as necessary
Challenges
Acceptance and Appearance
Maintenance (watering, weeding, invasive species removal)
Site Preparation issues (imported topsoil/mulch)
Maintaining contact person/volunteers
Establishment period (Patience!)
Tonya Hunter, LLA, CA
Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc.
Thunter@ectinc.com
Photos courtesy of Wayne County, ECT and ARC
Community Members