Founder & Creator

Motor City Eco Events

But this industrial boom did not come without a cost. The relentless focus on production left a mark on the city’s environment. Between the rapid population increase, the factories and industrial sites, the entire Metro Detroit area has suffered significant air, water, and soil pollution. The once pristine Detroit River became a polluted waterway, harming aquatic life and raising concerns about public health.

Despite the environmental challenges, Detroit isn't just a city defined by its industrial past. In recent years, there's been a growing focus on environmental initiatives that are not only cleaning up the city but also creating a more sustainable future.

In 1996, a group of concerned individuals gathered together to protect the Humbug Marsh. This one-mile stretch of land is the only remaining natural shoreline on the US side of the Detroit River, and is now home to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. That small group of people has grown exponentially, and is now known as the Friends of the Detroit River. This organization has helped to restore fish and wildlife habitats, provide data and recommendations on rehabilitation, identify and remedy invasive species, and secure fiduciary support to enhance and protect the river and surrounding watershed.

Stately elm trees framed rows of grand homes in the 1950’s, with brand new cars parked under their green canopy. Until Dutch elm disease wiped nearly every tree out of existence. Thousands of ash trees were replanted, and fell victim to emerald ash borer invasion. Pairing this huge reduction in the city’s tree canopy with the concentrated industrial air pollution, Detroit residents face a higher risk of respiratory problems, asthma, and other health issues. Recognizing the critical role trees play in air quality and overall well-being, organizations like The Greening of Detroit have emerged as champions of urban forestry. Their mission to restore the city's tree canopy offers a beacon of hope for a healthier and more sustainable future. This organization, a beacon of community growth and revitalization, has planted over 147,000 trees in the city since 1989.

While Detroit has made significant strides in improving its environment, it's important to acknowledge that the burden of pollution hasn't been equally shared by all residents. Low-income communities and communities of color have historically borne a disproportionate share of environmental hazards. Organizations like the Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV) are at the forefront of this fight in Detroit. Founded in 1995, SDEV is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering residents in Southwest Detroit, a community heavily impacted by industrial pollution. Their mission is to achieve environmental justice through community education, advocacy, and resident participation in decision-making processes.

While the journey is far from over, Detroit's spirit of innovation and determination offers a hopeful glimpse into a future where the Motor City becomes a model for a green and thriving community. Read more about many of the organizations doing work in this amazing city, and get involved. Motor City, More Wild.