Speaker Event: Freshwater Metropolis

Over the past few months, our series "Freshwater Metropolis" in Model D and Metromode has taken a look at how water is an integral part of our identity in Southeast Michigan and a resource that requires our protection. We've introduced the issues around water quality and stormwater runoff and how our actions, from what we do in our backyards to how we develop policy, affect our watersheds and the greater Great Lakes Basin.

 

We've looked at how Macomb County is embracing the tremendous economic development potential of its unique freshwater assets and how the Clinton River Watershed Council brings communities together around issues of stream health during their annual stonefly search volunteer day. We've examined how larger scale policy efforts like Detroit Future City are embracing green and blue infrastructure as opportunities to create a more sustainable, liveable city and transform vacant land into productive landscapes that promote water quality. We've learned how wetland habitats and wildlife along the Detroit River are making a comeback thanks to the collaborative efforts of government agencies, companies, and landscape architects.

 

We've dug beneath the surfaces of Pontiac and Detroit, where streams and rivers that were covered in the name of "progress" continue to flow and have the potential to see daylight once again.

 

In the coming weeks we'll hear about how the Sierra Club of Michigan is teaching everyday citizens techniques they can use to green their neighborhoods and implement green and blue infrastructure in their own backyards. We will also take a tour of green and blue infrastructure in action around the city of Detroit.

 

Now it's time for you to be a part of the conversation. Join us Thursday, May 23 at 6 PM on the campus of Lawrence Technological University in Southfield to hear from a panel of experts, activists, and business owners about how green and blue infrastructure are transforming our region and learn what you can do to be a part of this movement. RSVP here.

 

Moderator:

 

Don Carpenter - Department of Civil Engineering, Lawrence Technological University 
 

Our Panel:

 

Khalil Ligon - Lower Eastside Action Plan (LEAP) 

Nina Ignaczak - Clinton River Watershed Council

Jeff Klein - Detroit Farm & Garden

Gerard Santoro - Macomb County Planning and Economic Development

Lawrence Technological University is at 21000 W, 10 Mile Rd, Southfield. The event is in the Architecture Building (#9 on map here, Room A200. Guests can park anywhere on campus but the two most convenient parking lots are Parking Lot A and C.

 

This event is sponsored by the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation and Lawrence Technological University..