Earth Day in Southeast Michigan: Regional Initiatives and Climate Resilience

Each year on April 22, Earth Day reminds us both of our planet’s beauty and the environmental challenges it faces. With flowers blooming, birds singing, and the shimmering blue of our Great Lakes, Southeast Michigan’s natural beauty is truly captivating. It’s also the time of year that underscores the importance of our collective efforts to preserve and protect our environment.

Connecting Communities Through One Water

SEMCOG’s annual One Water campaign highlights actions individuals can take to protect water and enhance water quality, coinciding with Great Lakes Freshwater Week from June 1-9. Ahead of this year’s campaign, SEMCOG is hosting a webinar on May 22, Utilizing the One Water Campaign in Your Community, to guide our regional partners on leveraging the campaign and materials within local communities. Participants will learn about the campaign’s media toolkit and effective strategies to raise awareness throughout the week. Additionally, the webinar will connect the campaign elements to local stormwater permit public education requirements.

Local Events Promoting Water Quality and Stewardship

Friends of the River Rouge installing a rain garden

There are many ways to enjoy water in Southeast Michigan and to become a One Water steward. An easy first step could be to take part in any of the local events happening across the region, related to water quality and stewardship! These events offer opportunities for individuals and communities to engage in activities aimed at protecting and preserving our region’s water resources. From educational workshops to hands-on clean-up efforts, there are various ways to get involved and make a positive impact on our environment.

Building Climate Resilience Through Collaborative Efforts

Initiatives like the One Water Campaign connect to SEMCOG’s collaborative programs that aim to address environmental priorities across the region. One of these programs includes SEMCOG’s GREEN (Growing our Resilience, Equity, and Economy with Nature) Initiative. This initiative addresses flood mitigation, thus fostering climate resilience, improvement of community health, and protection of natural assets. It is driven by the goal to ensure that public benefits of green infrastructure are resilient, equitable, and improve the quality of life in Southeast Michigan communities.

To bolster these efforts, SEMCOG has recently secured significant grants. A $4.2 million grant from the EPA’s GLRI program will help develop and implement green infrastructure projects in underserved communities. Another notable award includes a $900,000 grant from USDOT’s PROTECT program to develop the Regional Resilience Improvement Plan. Both grants build upon existing SEMCOG’s current green infrastructure programs and the Regional Resilience Framework. SEMCOG continues to lead regional stormwater collaboration and align with the GREEN Initiative, the Southeast Michigan Flood Risk Tool, and the Southeast Michigan Water Infrastructure Planning Guide, while also supporting and coordinating efforts from regional partners, serving as a roadmap for climate resilience, integrating transportation, water infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.

SEMCOG Healthy Climate Task Force Co-Chair Sheila Tomkowiak, center, celebrates the adoption of the PCAP with SEMCOG Executive Committee and Healthy Climate Task Force Members on February 23, 2024, at SEMCOG’s office.

These initiatives are aligned with Southeast Michigan’s Healthy Climate Plan. The plan brings regional leaders to the table to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance natural areas, and ensure the region is a more resilient, equitable, and thriving home for future generations.

Finally, the Erb Family Foundation, in partnership with the University of Maryland and watershed groups, recently published new comprehensive “eco-health” report cards for Southeast Michigan and our five watersheds. These report cards evaluate rivers and watersheds based on key indicators such as water quality, economy, ecosystem, human health, infrastructure, and recreation. These watershed reports are valuable indicators to inform future initiatives.

As we celebrate Earth Day in Southeast Michigan, let us appreciate our region’s natural beauty and the region’s tireless efforts to enhance our natural environment while protecting it. Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for Southeast Michigan.