Between 2012 and 2013 the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), the Greening of Detroit, and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) partnered to transform ten vacant residential lots in the Cody Rouge neighborhood using four green infrastructure treatments. The primary goal of this initiative was to prevent storm water from entering the sewer system while creating the additional benefits of neighborhood stabilization, improved property values, better air quality and beautification.

The Greening of Detroit collaborated with Cody Rouge neighborhood residents and community groups through information sessions where the treatments were explained and also shared in a visual way. With this information, the participants then voted on which of the four low-maintenance treatments they desired for each location: a low-grow prairie grass; a perennial wildflower mix; a rye grass and wildflower mix; or a tree planting.

Greening staff, local volunteers and members of the Greening’s workforce training program implemented the treatments. The installation of each lot took approximately five days.

This program was really in the vanguard of engaging Detroit community members about transforming vacant lots through plantings with storm water benefits. Wade Rose, Greening of Detroit’s Vacant Land Manager, shared some lessons learned from the process (these have also helped inform the Field Guide to Working with Lots):

• When building support to implement a vacant lot treatment, it is important to use accessible language to describe the design and the benefits so everyone understands.
• Projects are usually more work than you anticipate and there can be unexpected challenges along the way, like soil conditions.
• Maintenance is an important aspect of any lot! it is important to think through how much time and effort the treatment will require over the long haul.
• It is important to manage expectations for those involved and for those who will be interacting with the lot. Often it takes a while for plants to establish and you have the “finished product.”

Curious to learn more? You can visit the completed lots using this map.

Related Website

Visit the Greening of Detroit website