Dearborn, Michigan
Project Goals and Objectives: Stabilize eroding stream banks along lower Rouge River and enhance wildlife habitat
Project Description: The project was implemented in two phases. In fall 1999, personnel from the Parks Division excavated and amended soil along the streambank. Next, students planted over 1,500 native plants that provided shelter, protective cover and foraging opportunities for birds and small animals.
The second phase took place in spring 2000 with a team led by William Clay Ford, Jr. that consisted of over 700 Ford employees, students from several local schools and other Five Star volunteers. The team added more native plants, reduced streambank and hillside erosion, controlled invasive species and cleared river debris and log jams.
In spring 2001, the Ford team added nature trails along the river’s edge for people to better access and experience the river and stream corridor environment. They also planted over 5,000 native trees, wildflowers, shrubs and forbs throughout the park, and began a carefully managed woody debris program in the river to increase fish habitat.
Cost: $108,000
Timeframe: 1998-2000
Partners: City of Dearborn, Friends of the Rouge, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ford Motor Company Dearborn Public Schools, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and the Rouge Remedial Action Plan Advisory Committee
Ecological Effectiveness: Post-project visual observation documented no erosion problems in this section of the Rouge River and that shoreline stability was maintained with native plant material. There has been no post-project monitoring of ecological effectiveness to date.
Restoration Contact: City of Dearborn