Description text goes hereThe City of Detroit Parks and Recreation department currently has more than 1,000 acres of former parkland that are not maintained as conventional parks due to budget constraints. To Detroit residents, these empty parks can reinforce feelings of neglect and regularly become sites for trash dumping. Residents often spend considerable amounts of their own time and money to maintain these spaces. Detroit Bird Alliance and the City of Detroit saw an opportunity to repurpose the land and create the Detroit Bird City project. The work began in 2017 with the first meadow installed in 2019.

The Detroit Bird City project directly addresses two targets of the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation 2022-2032 Strategic Plan. One target of the strategic plan aims to provide 1,500 acres of natural habitat for wildlife by 2032 of which already 330 exist, (another 1,200 acres are needed). Another target strives to increase access to nature through nature pocket parks and programming at 15 regional parks. In 2025- 2027, Detroit Bird Alliance adds meadow habitat at regional parks and provides city-wide programming that allows easy access to nature and provides educational opportunities to learn about the meadow and its inhabitants. 

The City of Detroit benefits significantly from these meadows because they require far less maintenance than traditional turf grass parks. Traditional parks and lawns require mowing regularly, but the meadows, once established, only require mowing once a year. These meadows also help the city of Detroit with stormwater and drainage issues. Native plants have much larger and complex root systems that allow them to soak up rainwater and store it instead of water overflowing into the Detroit sewer system. By embracing natural landscape at parks, the city saves significant time and resources while providing an important resource for residents. 

The native flower meadows provide habitat to migratory birds and pollinators experiencing drastic population decline. Birds have seen a 70% decline in North America since 1970, and scientists agree the largest single factor contributing to population decline is the loss of habitat. Bird species facing the greatest declines include migratory and grassland species, which both benefit from native plants and meadow habitats. Similarly, pollinators are also facing drastic declines, and many depend on native plants to survive. By turning unused land commonly filled with trash and invasive species into native flower meadows, we can support struggling birds and pollinators. 

The native flower meadows also create much needed accessible greenspace for underserved communities that do not have adequate access to the mental and physical benefits of nature. Studies show that exposure to nature can lower stress, improve sleep, increase focus, improve immune function, and lower blood pressure (Hartig et al.,1991; Hough, 2014). Access to greenspace can even reduce susceptibility to psychiatric disorders and occurrences of violence and crime (Ebisch, 2020; Bogar et al., 2016). A local greenspace can generate a sense of belonging and communal identity by creating opportunities for residents to socialize with neighbors (De Vries et al., 2014). The constant changes and surprises from nature provide inspiration and reason to go outside and thus increase physical activity (Timperio et al., 2008).   

Bird watching in particular has great benefits for people and communities. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, bird watching has soared in popularity. Even as quarantines were lifted, the interest in birdwatching has remained above pre-pandemic levels. Bird watching is a gateway, an introduction to connecting with nature, and leads to a lifelong connection to the natural world. It promotes mindfulness, provides light exercise, creates moments of awe, and encourages social connection. Bird watching also offers opportunities for community science with websites and phone applications that are free to all such as eBird and iNaturalist. 

The City of Detroit identifies parks as locations for Detroit Bird City meadows based on community interest and input. Together we continue outreach around potential park locations and address any questions or concerns that neighbors may have. We install our “Meadow Coming Soon!” signs that provide contact information as well as information about the benefits of meadows. Sites are prepared by removing the current turf grass and other invasive species by using herbicide. After the meadow sites are sufficiently prepared we spread native flower and grass seeds at each site. The US Fish and Wildlife Service designs a unique seed mix for each meadow taking into consideration the soil composition, moisture levels, and sunlight availability. As the plants start to grow, we mow the area several times to cut back the fast-growing non-native plants and allow the slow growing native plants to mature.

As the meadows develop, we work with community members for plans regarding pathways, signage, and benches. We also work with community members to decide what types of programming would be most beneficial to them, such as nature walks, birding lessons, gardening for birds and pollinators, volunteer clean-up programs, and activities for children. After meadows are established, usually three years after planting, they require either mowing or, optimally burning, every other year. Although prescribed burns are better for native plant meadow maintenance, we will not perform a prescribed burn without community support. We take extra caution to ensure each neighbor approves of a prescribed burn for the meadow.

DBC meadows are maintained in partnership by Detroit Bird Alliance, City of Detroit Parks and Recreation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and community partners near each park. A strong and ongoing relationship between DBA and community partners is essential for open communication about the meadows and parks. Through this relationship, DBA can keep neighbors updated about programs, mowing, herbicide use, and prescribed burns. Similarly, neighbors regularly communicate with DBA when there is a park question or issue such as pathways needing to be mowed. The neighbors have taken ownership of the spaces and know that DBA is a reliable resource. We also use moveable signage to inform when a burn or mow is upcoming or has recently taken place. 

The DBC parks will allow community members and visitors to enjoy nature in their own neighborhood across the city, where the opportunities to connect with nature are not abundant. The parks can be used for DBA programs, school field trips, community groups, and conservation organizations. Because the parks span throughout the city, they allow DBA to become partners with organizations from all over Detroit. Most importantly, the parks will stand as an example of an excellent use of space in Detroit that benefits city planners, local community members, and struggling wildlife.