A Sturgeon Story in Art: Lake St. Clair Metropark Unveils Eco-Friendly Photo Installation

This summer, something special surfaced at Lake St. Clair Metropark—not in the water, but right beside it. 

On August 19, 2025, park visitors and community members gathered near the Lake St. Clair Metropark beach for the official unveiling of a one-of-a-kind art installation: a sturgeon-inspired photo frame made using recycled and found materials sourced right from the park itself. Created in collaboration with Detroit-based artist Halima Afi Cassells, the artwork quickly became more than just a visual landmark—it became a conversation starter, a teaching tool, and a symbol of community care for our natural resources. 

The project was born from a simple idea: how could we create a photo-worthy feature in the park that also supports our Climate Action Plan and Keep It Clean initiatives? After attending a presentation by Halima Cassells, our team was inspired to dream bigger. Rather than create a traditional photo-op sign, we envisioned an eco-friendly art piece that could serve as a place of reflection, learning, and connection. 

Halima worked closely with Metroparks staff, the Lake St. Clair maintenance team, and members of the public during three community art workshops. Park guests helped construct the piece by repurposing plastics and other debris—items that might otherwise pollute the park’s delicate ecosystems. Halima then completed and assembled the piece back at her studio before installing it in the park.  

Litter harms the environment, wildlife, and the beauty of our parks. Proper disposal is an easy way to keep our parks clean and reduce the environmental impact of trash. This includes fishing line, pet waste and “biodegradable” waste. We hope this piece serves as a reminder of the importance to recycle and dispose of trash properly. Starting this year, we have introduced single-stream recycling bins in all parks, so you can now put all your recyclable materials in one can. However, it’s crucial to ensure that only the appropriate materials are placed in the bins. Learn more here. 

The design itself was inspired by the lake sturgeon, an ancient and often-overlooked species that plays a vital role in our freshwater ecosystems. Its presence ties directly into the work of the Lake St. Clair Nature Center, which participates in the “Sturgeon in the Classroom” program. Through this program, local students raise juvenile sturgeon and release them into the lake, learning firsthand the value of conservation and stewardship.

“We are excited to collaborate on this art installation, which is a beautiful reflection of the Metroparks’ values of stewardship and education,” said Metroparks CEO, Amy McMillan. “By using recycled materials and spotlighting the often-overlooked lake sturgeon, this installation not only invites visitors to engage with the park in a new way but also reminds us all of our shared responsibility to care for our waterways and environment. It’s a powerful example of how art can inspire stewardship.”

The final installation stands as a powerful tribute to this remarkable fish and its habitat. Visitors are encouraged to step into the frame, take photos, and share them on social media, spreading awareness and pride in our park’s natural wonders. Every photo includes the park’s name built into the frame, offering a subtle reminder of where the magic happens—and who helped make it possible. 

We’re proud of how this project brought together creativity, collaboration, and care for the environment—and we invite you to visit Lake St. Clair Metropark to see it for yourself. 

Take a moment. Take a photo. Take part in keeping our parks beautiful.