$300K Grant Will Help Restore Macomb County Habitats: County

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Macomb County will be the recipient of a $300,000 grant meant to help the county restore natural habitats along the Sterling Relief and Red Run drains in Sterling Heights.

The grant, awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, will focus on restoring a portion of the drains between Schoenherr Road and Metro Parkway, behind Freedom Hill County Park and Bethesda Christian Church. Officials said the restoration project will enhance stewardship of local waterways by creating a bio-diverse habitat for wildlife.

“The transformation of the Sterling Relief Drain from an industrial-looking empty space into a greenbelt filled with Michigan native plants, trees and wildlife – including our butterfly flyway – is fully underway," Candice Miller, Macomb County's Public Works Commissioner said. "The drain has been redesigned to better filter pollutants out of the water, using Mother Nature’s natural abilities. Now, we see the plants filling in and the wildlife responding.

"This additional funding will allow us to continue to expand this project, improving the quality of life for residents in central Sterling Heights and beyond."

Once completed, the project will restore riparian habitat along 1.35 miles of the Sterling Relief and Red Run drains to increase habitat. Officials said the project will help benefit native pollinators and control invasive species, among other benefits.

Grant activities will restore over 30 acres of diverse native habitat including 10.75 acres riparian canopy, 12.25 acres of native pollinator prairie plantings, and 2.75 acres of stream bank re-vegetation and stabilization. Actions also include treating over 20 acres for invasive species, planting 475 trees and 2,500 shrubs, developing a mile long waterfront trail connecting to the regional Freedom Trail and reducing runoff by 200,000 gallons per year from riparian tree plantings.

The new funding complements $1.8 million worth of grant-funded work that has already been completed on the eastern two miles of the 5.5 mile-long Sterling Relief Drain, county officials said.

“This project fulfills an important portion of our Master Plan for Parks and Natural Resources,” said Vicky Rad, Director of the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development. “Overall, this will expand an important greenway in a densely populated community.”