Partners
Preserving the environment and its wildlife is a big job. That’s why DTE Energy has formed partnerships with key environmental organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Wildlife Habitat Council, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. We also engage our employees, the DTE Energy Green Team, retirees, families and our customers in projects that enhance the quality of life in our state. Below are some of our partners and projects.
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan GreenWays Initiative
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan GreenWays Initiative connects southeastern Michigan communities through an interlinked green infrastructure – including biking and hiking paths, conservation corridors and habitats surrounding communities. The DTE Energy Foundation contributed $500,000 to the initiative.
The DTE Energy Foundation has supported the development of the Conner Creek Greenway, a bike path from 8 Mile Road to the Detroit River on the city’s east side near the Conners Creek Power Plant.
For over decade, the DTE Energy Foundation has partnered with the Conservation Resource Alliance to protect our state’s natural resources. Our support includes CRA’s River Care Projects, a program helping improve water habitat and increasing recreational access to waterways in northwest Michigan.
The DTE Energy Green Team partners with Detroit Parks and Recreation Department for the annual Fish-N-Fun Day at the DTE Energy/DNR Delray Pier. Children, under 14 years old, learn how to fish and win raffle prizes during an educational day at the Detroit River.
DTE Energy was the first business partner within the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge to enter a cooperative management agreement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, allowing the service to protect and manage wildlife and fish populations on 656 acres at Fermi 2 Power Plant.
The Detroit Riverkeeper is a citizen-based observation and pollution reporting organization working to improve water quality in the Detroit River. DTE Energy is a proud sponsor of their Storm Drain Labeling and Educational Program.
DTE Energy and the City of Woodhaven are spearheading an effort with 21 communities to create the Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative. This non-motorized system of paths enables people to connect with the rich water, wildlife, heritage and recreational resources in the Detroit Downriver region.
The DTE Energy Green Team volunteers routinely assist the Friends of the Detroit River with events such as the Annual River Clean Up.
The Grosse Ile and Nature Land Conservancy works to protect land through land acquisition, conservation easements and educational projects. DTE Energy provided partial funding for their soft-shore engineering enhancement and education project.
Huron Pines is a not-for-profit conservation organization dedicated to conserving the forests, lakes and streams of Northeast Michigan. Their projects have stabilized eroding streambanks, replanted and diversified forests, pushed back invasive plants and improved wildlife habitat.
DTE Energy is helping the Michigan Recreation & Park Association in creating community through people, parks and programs.
DTE Energy supports the installation of bat houses on structures and non-utility poles to provide bat habitat and reduce mosquito populations. Additionally, we support the Organization for Bat Conservation with Michigan’s Great Lakes Bat Festival held annually.
ReLeaf Michigan is our tree-planting partner in the state outside of the city of Detroit.
DTE Energy is a founding member of the Rouge River Gateway Partnership, working to reclaim the river as an invaluable natural, cultural, recreational and economic resource for southeast Michigan. Our goal is to help preserve its rich heritage for future generations.
We support the Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, a nonprofit organization working with community organizations, government agencies, schools and businesses to tackle environmental issues. We want to improve indoor and outdoor air quality, eliminate blight and promote compatible land use.
The Greening of Detroit is our tree-planting partner in the city. We work with this organization to develop tree nurseries in communities to create productive, healthy, green spaces. We specifically help communities devastated by the emerald ash borer.
The Nature Conservancy is on a mission to preserve plants, animals and natural communities by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. DTE Energy and the DTE Energy Foundation are partnering with The Nature Conservancy in Michigan on a comprehensive coastal conservation strategy for the Western Lake Erie Basin. We are also working with this organization to restore and recreate migratory bird habitat along the Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor.
Since 1995, DTE Energy has been a member of the Wildlife Habitat Council, a nonprofit organization that advises corporate landowners on how to manage their property to benefit wildlife. WHC’s Great Lakes Regional Office is located within DTE Energy's downtown Detroit Headquarters.