Monguagon Creek sees daylight again in Trenton

The Refuge Gateway, part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton, is becoming a bit more of a natural refuge these days.

Wayne County is showcasing the restoration of natural habitat on a space that has endured nearly a century of industrialization and all of the devastating side effects that come with it. The latest project includes daylighting the Mongauagon Creek and restoring a few acres of wetlands.

Daylighting is a fancy term for taking a waterway that had been piped underground and bringing it back to its natural state as an open-air stream. This has all been done on the east side of West Jefferson Avenue between Van Horn and Vreeland roads just south of the Solutia plant.

Daylighting the creek allowed for the recreation of six acres of wetlands. This is expected to improve stormwater runoff by providing a larger area to absorb the excess rain water before it hits the Detroit River. The lake plain prairie acts as a stormwater basin of sorts that filters the water of toxins and other things before it reaches the river.

This type of restoration improves the hydrology of the gateway and the adjacent Monguagon Delta. It also provides more space for wildlife habitat and opportunities for environmental research and education.

Source: Jessica Mistak, spokeswoman for Wayne County
Writer: Jon Zemke

Monguagon Creek sees daylight again in Trenton

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