Project Goals and Objectives: Restore a natural shoreline, including the removal of invasive species and the reintroduction of native plants
Project Description: The Monroe Power Plant restored 152 linear meters (500 feet) of the River Raisin shoreline, converted 57 acres of farmland to prairie and five acres to wetlands created and a five meter wide upland buffer area where native species were planted. This work began in 2007 but the plantings have just recently reached maturity and now are supporting birds, reptiles and other wildlife.
Timeframe: 2000
Cost: $68,000
Partners: Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, City of Monroe, Monroe County, Monroe Alliance, Michigan Sea Grant, County U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International Wildlife Refuge, the Monroe County Drain Commission, the River Raisin Watershed Council, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Wildlife Habitat Council, and the River Raisin Institute.
Ecological Effectiveness: Removed five exotic species from the site, including glossy buckthorn, Phragmites, and purple loosestrife; maintained six native species already on site, including cottonwood, gray dogwood, staghorn sumac and red cedar; and planted 74 native species, including swamp rose mallow, lead plant, cupplant, monkey flower and white beard tongue
Restoration Contact: Metropolitan Affairs Coalition
Monitoring Contact: Nativescape LLC