From birds and bees to flowers and trees, many of Michigan’s native plants and animals live at DTE Energy facilities.

DTE Energy is one of the largest landowners in Michigan. We maintain hundreds of acres of land in its natural state and provide habitat for dozens of species of birds, mammals, fish and insects. Additional restoration projects are continually in the works.

Most recently, the arrival of a beaver at the Conners Creek Power Plant received national media attention, which many say attests to the improved viability of the Detroit River habitat.

A particular focus of our wildlife program is providing “stopover sites” for migratory birds.  As they make their incredible journeys every spring and fall, these weary travelers need rest stops where they can land and refuel before setting off again.  By planting a variety of native trees, shrubs and perennials that attract insects and produce seeds and berries, DTE Energy facilities put out the “welcome mat” along the critical migratory pathways along the Huron to Erie corridor.

Prairie 

Most of the Great Lakes basin was originally a combination of arboreal forest and grasslands. DTE Energy employees have worked with partner agencies to create and restore prairies at company-owned sites throughout the state of Michigan. These prairies provide homes to hundreds of mammals, insects, reptiles and birds.

Our Monroe Power Plant, with over 800 acres of prairie and wetland habitat, has been designated as a Conservation Education Site (CES) for serving as an outdoor laboratory for the Charles and June Knabusch Mathematics & Science Center. Local middle and high school students perform projects and research on our property, including land mapping, and math, science and environmental studies.

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Wetlands

Many DTE Energy facilities are located along the important Atlantic and Mississippi flyways, the invisible routes along the Great Lakes that migratory birds use spring and fall for their astounding journeys.  These facilities provide much needed stopover sites with native vegetation, water and cover for the weary avian travelers.  Of particular importance are our preserved and created wetlands. Wetlands are among the most productive and endangered of wildlife habitats.

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Shorelines

Using an approach called “softshore engineering,” two Detroit Edison facilities undertook projects to restore sections of barren concrete rip-rap to a more natural vegetated shoreline that is beautiful to the eye and created wildlife habitat for fish, birds, and land animals.

The River Rouge Power Plant sits on the Detroit River shoreline in the middle of one of the region’s most industrial areas. In 2007, Detroit Edison staff and partners removed 850 cubic yards of concrete riprap, rebar, and gravel along 200 feet of the shoreline. They reshaped the shoreline, installed erosion control fabric, and added native plants – both on the shore and in the water – to create habitat for fish and other wildlife species. The project was partially financed through grants including the U.S. EPA 5-Star Grant, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Grant, and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition Challenge Grant.

Before

A barren, 200-foot expanse of broken concrete and metal, in place to stabilize the shoreline.

After

A natural shoreline that creates a thriving habitat for fish and other wildlife species, will develop as the native plants grow, bloom and bear fruit.

The following year, DTE Energy employees similarly enhanced a 300-foot section of the River Raisin shoreline at the Monroe Power Plant.  Similar to the River Rouge project, the project was financed by grants from the EPA and state and local partners.

Several DTE Energy facilities (Harbor Beach Power Plant, Marysville Power Plant, Delray Fishing Pier and Monroe Power Plant) also provide seasonal free fishing access to local anglers.

Green Team members participate in various river cleanups each year, from the Detroit River to the rivers of the Rouge Watershed and beyond.

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Pollinator Gardens

Many facilities, including our downtown Detroit headquarters building, have created gardens to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. These butterfly gardens are composed of drought-tolerant native species. Employees and visitors alike can enjoy the color of the flowers and their iridescent visitors.

Speaking of pollinators, 6 hives of honey bees were introduced to the DTE Energy facility at Sibley Quarry in Trenton in the summer of 2008.  The hives and gardens are part of the company’s response to create habitat for pollinators.

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Nesting boxes

Employees, their children, and local Boy Scout troops have built and installed dozens of nesting boxes for wood ducks and Eastern bluebirds and bat houses. We have provided nesting habitat for peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and common terns. 

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