Blue/Green Infrastructure

PHOTOS: Belle Isle Swim Club calmly continues while Chicago cancels

Have you seen a sunrise from Belle Isle? On Friday mornings, a dedicated group gather to splash in the waters (and sip coffee) in what's become a popular national trend this summer. 

Owl Prowls: Connecting Metro Detroiters with the incredible nighttime birdlife around them

On a recent field trip with the Detroit Audubon, bundled up in 30-degree darkness, reporter Sarah Williams discovered why birding novices are flocking to learn more about Michigan’s 11 owl species. See for yourself. 

GRDC employees Tom Ridgeway and Becki Kenderes stand at site of proposed lot.
Resilient Neighborhoods: Green infrastructure would address parking, drainage issues on Grand River

Plans for a green parking lot on Grand River continue, despite unforeseen challenges.

State Representative Joe Tate spoke to a local news crew on the importance of improving Detroit’s flooding infrastructure after the event.
Fighting Flooding: Detroit community leaders and academic experts meet to tackle future issues

A collaborative study found that over 40% of Detroit households surveyed between 2012 and 2020 reported household flooding. A recent event at Wayne State University brought together researchers, policymakers, and other community leaders to discuss Detroit’s recent flooding and infrastructure issues.  

Construction barricades stand near the site of a former marijuana dispensary in Delray.
Resilient Neighborhoods: Delray earth upheaval incident raises concerns for SW Detroit neighborhood

An unusual geological event in Southwest Detroit mobilized community residents and stakeholders to demand action and answers. Now the findings of a city investigation have been released. But what does that mean for the neighborhood? 

Reporter Kyla L. Wright is looking forward to Detroit stepping further into the spotlight in 2022, particularly in the entertainment industry.
What our journalists predict for Detroit stories in 2022

From a Motown comeback, to ethical tech entrepreneurs, to green infrastructure and climate resiliency — our journalists will be keeping their fingers on the pulse of Detroit in 2022. Here's what they'll be watching. 

Volunteers help seniors move back into their apartments after summer flooding.
Resilient Neighborhoods: Disastrous floods inspire SW Detroit nonprofit to pursue emergency planning

This Detroit nonprofit is looking into disaster preparedness planning  after summer flooding displaced a group of local seniors.

Sacred Heart Church is a leader in green stormwater infrastructure, having undergone an eco-friendly overhaul of the nearly two-acre church property.
Historic church in Eastern Market leads by example in green stormwater infrastructure

“We estimate that this project keeps 1.5 million gallons of stormwater out of the system in an average year,” says Valerie Strassberg, Detroit Urban Conservation Director at The Nature Conservancy.

A young neighborhood resident has some fun in front of a water cycle mural at the Hamilton Rainscape Learning Lab.
Resilient Neighborhoods: These east side groups are helping to reimagine sustainability in Detroit

These organizations are showing just how important community members are to building a sustainable future.

CAN Art Handworks Sculpture Park & Detroit Windmill Wind Turbine Farm
Master craftsman Carlos Nielbock ready to take his windmills to the next level

For more than a decade, the artist and entrepreneur developed low-altitude urban wind turbines — fashioned out of upcycled materials like truck axles, satellite dishes, and light poles — that also function as public art. Now that he has a patent on his unique design, he's looking to bring his innovative green energy technology to the neighborhoods.

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