Lisa DuRussel (BS ’02, MLA ’06), University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) assistant professor of practice of landscape architecture, alongside SEAS graduate student Nana Temple and community partner Tanya Stephens, Director of Land Stewardship at Detroit Vacant Land, Community Development Corporation, has been awarded an Engage Detroit Workshops grant to develop the "Detroit Land Lab" initiative.

The Detroit Land Lab initiative strives to assist residents in tackling the difficulties they encounter when dealing with government programs to acquire vacant land in Detroit. Its objective is to equip locals with resources and guidance on how to obtain and convert vacant land into one of Detroit's greatest assets. This involves aiding with landscape design techniques, plot plan development, land acquisition, and open space visualization to support creative land use projects. The ultimate aim is to empower community members, promote lasting transformation, and restore land ownership to Detroit residents through cooperative initiatives and community empowerment.

The Engage Detroit Workshops grant program supports small teams of U-M faculty, staff, students, and community partners in organizing workshops that will strengthen partnerships between the University of Michigan and Detroit.

Learn more in this The University Record press release.