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 Sustainability addresses a balance and understanding among the ecological, social, and economic aspects of the world. To be truly sustainable, we must work together to find ways to meet our needs and live comfortably in the present, without compromising availibility of resources, security, or comfort to future generations. It is becoming increasingly clear with every report of exotic species invasion, mismanagement of natural resources, increasing carbon emissions, and ecosystem degradation, that participating in this movement towards a healthy life for all individuals and our earth is imperative. Integrating the strengths of different peoples can improve the quality of life for everyone. We ask you to join us- come share your journey, your questions, and your time. Volunteer, read our tips for a greener life, and carry this knowledge with you. Work with us to help shape our community into the best it can be.
How we live dictates the use we make of the world, and also, what is to become of it.
Our Goals
Educational Programs
Native Ecosystem Management
Reducing our Environmental Footprint
Tips for Greener Living
Volunteer Opportunities
Contact us
Our Goals.jpg)
Our goal at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks is to promote environmentally sustainable operations and management efforts that reduce impacts to the environment with methods that are socially responsible and economically sound. Our initiatives are intended to provide direction for employees to make environmentally responsible decisions regarding planning, operations, and management of Metropark facilities, and to monitor the effectiveness of the efforts undertaken.
How We're Reaching Our Goals:
1. Reducing waste, improving pollution prevention measures, encouraging recycling and improving energy conservation throughout the park system.
2. Implementing attainable sustainable practices in park master plans, capital improvement and major maintenance projects while developing long term goals and objectives.
3. Increasing public awareness of Metropark sustainability initiatives through educational programs.
4. Encouraging the management and restoration of Metropark natural areas to enhance biodiversity and maintain the ecological health of the park system.
Educational Programs
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks are committed to not only being stewards of the natural and cultural world, but also encouraging our visitors to explore and learn about the ecosystems in southestern Michigan. By perpetuating this knowledge through fun and wholesome activities, we can continue to build a positive community in an active way. Visit our Interpretive Centes and ask the interpretive staff about the various educational programs offered for students, teachers, and all of our park visitors.
For more information on specific programs, check out our Education page!
Native Ecosystem Management
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks is dedicated to managing, protecting and restoring native ecosystems. The objective of natural areas management is to conserve, enhance, protect, and maintain significant elements of natural diversity while balancing these elements with compatible recreational use within the parks. Metroparks land management practices are guided by the following principles:
Sustainability:
- Ecosystem management that ensures the long-term sustainability of resources.
Diversity & Complexity of Ecosystems:
- Maintaining biological diversity and complexity of native ecosystems to protect the richness of our natural heritage.
Human-Ecosystem Interactions:
- Sustainably managed ecosystems allow for appropriate human use and enjoyment while protecting ecological quality and biological diversity.
Change & Adaptation:
- Change is inherent in all sustainable ecosystems, and ecosystem management aims to incorporate the dynamic nature of natural systems.
Implementation of these principles ensures the long-term sustainability of resources and opportunities we enjoy today for our future generations.
To learn more about how we manage our natural areas, visit our Ecosystems Management page.
If you'd like more information on how you can lend a hand, check out our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Reducing our Environmental Footprint
In addition to our commitment to educational and conservation programs, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks has established a sustainability program that relies on employees and visitors who share a passion for the earth. We are putting into practice programs that will help our organization become more environmentally friendly.Some of the actions the Metroparks are taking to meet our sustainability goals are:
Recycling:
- Cardboard, paper, plastic
- Cans and bottles
- Used waste oil
- Old computers and monitors (electronic waste)
Improving energy efficiency:
- Turning off computers/lights when not in use
- Using rechargeable batteries in electronics
- Re-lamping Metroparks facilities with high-efficiency lighting
- Improving building insulation (Lake St. Clair, Stony Creek, Oakwoods)
- Installing DTE solar currents along White Lake Rd. (Indian Springs)
- Constructing LEED certified buildings (Kensington, Indian Springs)
- Installing geothermal energy sources (Kensington)
- Converting gas-powered golf cart fleets to electric (Huron Meadows, Kensington)
Reducing Waste:
- Improving septic system monitoring (at six parks)
- Installing trash compactors
- Removing vault latrines
- Repairing pipe linings
- Replacing failing infrastructure
- Removing underground fuel storages (Huron Meadows, Kensington)
- Reducing mowed acreage throughout parks
Restoration:
- Removing invasive species throughout the parks
- Installing native plants throughout the parks
- Restoring coastal marshland (Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie)
- Reducing pavement areas & increasing green space (Lake St. Clair, Kensington, Willow)
- Implementing stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to improve groundwater
- Replacing culverts to control erosion
Above: A grow zone at Lake Erie Metropark. Grow zones are native planting areas that replace lawns. Benefits of a grow zone are: increased wildlife habitat, improved water quality, and conserved energy due to less mowing.
Tips for Greener Living
Ever wonder exactly how much water you could save by not running the faucet while you brush your teeth? Do you need advice on how to cut back on your heating costs? Are you interested in knowing how your personal shopping choices can affect the environment? We can all use a little help being reminded to make wiser choices, so we've compiled a bunch of interesting tips and shocking facts that will have you thinking twice about your daily habits. Look for the ($) symbol for money-saving ideas.
Contact Us
Let us know what you're doing to contribute to a sustainable world! Do you have suggestions or green tips that we should know about? Would you like to schedule a day for you and a group of others to volunteer in your favorite Metropark? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact the Natural Resources Department or the Administrative Office:
Natural Resources Department
nrdept@metroparks.com
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Administrative Office
13000 High Ridge Drive
Brighton, MI 48114
1-800-477-2757
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