The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Detroit Sustainability Clinic was one of five featured projects during President Domenico Grasso’s 2025 State of the University address on Nov. 13. A short film highlighted community-engaged sustainability work in Detroit, including the Eliza Howell Park master's capstone project, Reimagining Wildlands at Eliza Howell Park, led by SEAS faculty and students with support from the Clinic and the City of Detroit.

The Eliza Howell Park project, completed in partnership with Sidewalk Detroit, the City of Detroit and SEAS students Emily Brent (MLA/MS’25), Grace Carbeck (MLA’/MS’25), Myles Markey (MLA/MS’25) and Kammer Offenhauser (MLA/MS’25), developed adaptive ecological management and planting strategies for one of Detroit’s largest and most beloved parks. Through community engagement, ecological fieldwork, GIS mapping, and design, SEAS students created tools and plans that strengthen biodiversity, support long-term stewardship, and serve as a replicable model for natural-areas management across Detroit parks and beyond.

“The Eliza Howell Park project demonstrates what’s possible when community knowledge and ecological science are woven together,” said Lisa Du Russel, associate professor of practice and engagement and faculty advisor for the project. “The students co-created tools that Sidewalk Detroit and the city can continue using for years to come. It is a powerful example of collaborative restoration—rooted in ecological expertise and guided by community vision.”

“The Eliza Howell Park project captures the essence of why the Clinic exists,” said Tony G. Reames, director of the Detroit Sustainability Clinic and Tishman Professor of Environmental Justice. “We are honored to support projects that partner with community-based and local government organizations to expand their capacity, co-develop solutions that reflect their priorities, and generate knowledge that can be used across the city. Our students gain hands-on experience, organizations gain resources, and Detroit gains equitable, long-term sustainability and climate solutions.”

Established in 2021, the Clinic embodies U-M's Look to Michigan vision and its Energy, Climate Action, Sustainability, and Environmental Equity pillar. In just four years, the Clinic has partnered on 12 community-based projects, collaborated on eight government projects, and engaged more than 85 students and 13 faculty — demonstrating how place-based community-university cooperation can deliver real impact.

The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Detroit Sustainability Clinic is an innovative hub of faculty, students, and visionaries, working alongside local government, community-based organizations, and Detroit community leaders to solve Detroit’s most pressing sustainability-related challenges. We place community needs at the forefront, realizing that positive and lasting change can only be created through deep listening, collaboration, and trust. We leverage SEAS’ mission to create real impact, aiming to improve the ability of the City of Detroit and nonprofits serving the city to address climate change impacts while providing students with real-world experiences and hands-on training.