The DTE Energy Foundation is joining The Nature Conservancy to help beautify and conserve both sides of Michigan’s Coasts. Locally, the $1 million grant from the DTE Energy Foundation will support dune restoration along Lake Michigan, while statewide it the grant will fund conserving the wetlands in Erie Marsh, and provide green infrastructure in Detroit.
“The Nature Conservancy is very happy to be working with the DTE Energy Foundation in finding solutions to issues that have such a big impact on both people and nature,” said Helen Taylor, the Conservancy’s state director in Michigan through a press release. “Our goal is to have healthy, resilient systems that can support Michigan’s iconic place as the Great Lakes state for generations to come.”
According to a press release, on Michigan’s western shore, the Conservancy’s efforts along Lake Michigan have been focused on the restoration of the world’s largest freshwater dune system via removal of invasive species.
The grant will support further conservation of coastal habitat through a system-wide invasive species control and targeted land acquisition and work to generate public awareness and legislative policy support for long-term coastal health.