Sterling Heights is banking millions on a greener future.
The city is expanding parks, restoring its tree canopy and opening a new community garden as part of a broad sustainability initiative backed by a recently passed millage called Pathway to Play and Preservation.
The millage is funding land purchases to protect open space, with officials pledging to keep newly acquired parcels undeveloped in perpetuity. Dale Dwojakowski, Assistant City Manager for Sterling Heights, said the city has “millions of dollars earmarked to preserve open spaces” for future generations.
The land preservation effort is just one piece. The city is also fighting back against decades of tree loss caused by emerald ash borer and Dutch elm disease, which devastated Michigan’s urban forests. Through the same millage, Sterling Heights has committed to planting 1,500 trees each spring and 1,500 each fall.
“We’ve made a commitment to planting 3,000 trees a year,” Dwojakowski said. “It’s a monumental effort.”
Officials say a denser tree canopy brings tangible benefits beyond aesthetics - reducing home energy costs, slowing traffic speeds and boosting property values. Dwojakowski called the reforestation push “a win-win-win, and it’s a win for the planet.”
The city is also calling on residents and businesses to pitch in. Automotive suppliers and other large employers have already sponsored entire stretches of road, funding 60 to 80 trees per segment. Homeowners are encouraged to plant on their own properties to supplement the city’s right-of-way plantings.
Inside Nelson Park, Sterling Heights has opened a new community garden featuring more than 100 planting beds - including ADA-accessible raised beds - along with composting stations, gardening classes, a butterfly conservatory and a microforest.
Dwojakowski said the long view is what drives the effort.
“They say you don’t plant a tree for yourself, you plant it for the future generations,” he said. “And we are starting in Sterling Heights.”
More information on Sterling Heights’ green initiatives is available at sterlingheights.gov.