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Summer Newsletter DTE Energy River Rouge Power Plant Celebrates
50th Anniversary with Shoreline Naturalization 
DTE River Rouge Power Plant employees, retirees, and families celebrate 50 years of community service,,,and the restoration of grey-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and big bluestem grass (Andropogon gerardii) on-site. |
In 1956, a new generating plant at the juncture of the Rouge and Detroit rivers was “plugged in” to the regional power grid. This week, as old-timers, current employees, kids and neighbors celebrated 50 years of contributions to the region and the City of River Rouge, another new beginning was visible along the Detroit River shore. The wildlife team is removing about 200 feet of concrete sea wall and replacing it with vegetated tiers to house native plants, invertebrates, juvenile fish, and species that feed on them. The naturalized shoreline was designed by Nativescape LLC , and is being installed by volunteers including members of the DTE "Green Team." Besides the near-shore habitat, the new shoreline will include an upland buffer—a strip about 15 feet wide where native plants will slow and filter runoff to protect water quality. Runoff from increasing urbanization is one of the biggest threats to habitat in our rivers and streams. The new shoreline is adjacent to River Rouge’s Belanger Park, and visible to park visitors. The project is funded by the EPA’s Five Star Restoration Program and by project partners including the City of River Rouge, DTE Energy, Friends of the Detroit River and the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition. Watch for more photos in this space as the project develops. 
DTE's River Rouge Power Plant lies in an industrial area on the Detroit and Rouge rivers, and provides habitat to grassland species, waterfowl, and raptors like this peregrine falcon. Photo by Jason Cousino. |
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