Shoreline Restoration Project

About the Project

The Shoreline Restoration Project at Ford House, formally titled the Lower Lake St. Clair Habitat Restoration Project, is a collaborative endeavor between Ford House and NOAA, which considers this project one of Michigan’s top-priority coastal restoration projects. The project is a multi-phase initiative to restore and protect the estate’s natural shoreline and wetlands, strengthen climate resilience, and deepen our community’s connection to the local ecosystem.

Currently in Phase 1, the project focuses on the wooded wetlands area near the Visitor Center parking lot. Dead trees and invasive species are being carefully removed to allow native flora to thrive. A slightly elevated boardwalk will be constructed, creating new pathways for guests and students to engage with the environment.

🪵 Woodland restoration goals include:

• Planting native tree and plant species
• Creating habitats for local wildlife
• Offering an immersive outdoor classroom for ecology education
• Restoring the beauty and health of this critical landscape

Rendering of the dock platform. Credit: InSite Design Studios
Please note that the renderings are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the final design or outcome of the project. Details are subject to change as the project progresses.

What’s Next?

Phase 2 will begin along the Lake St. Clair shoreline, restoring the shoreline’s natural contours, preventing erosion, and expanding wetland habitat. The full project is anticipated to be completed by 2027.

🗓 Estimated Completion: End of 2027

Why This Matters

• 🌱 Protects fragile ecosystems and improves biodiversity
• 🐟 Supports native species like birds, amphibians, and aquatic life
• 🧠 Enhances learning through new environmental education spaces
• 🌊 Strengthens Ford House’s climate resiliency and stormwater filtration

Partners in Progress

This transformational effort is made possible thanks to our committed project partners:

• 🐟 NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• 🧰 Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
• 🌎 Great Lakes Commission
• 🏦 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• 📀 Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. (ECT)
• 🌿 Friends of the Detroit River

Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, officially the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), this project exemplifies the power of federal investment in climate and conservation.

In June 2023, Ford House was awarded a Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grant from NOAA, providing up to $7 million to support the restoration of natural habitats along Ford Cove and nearly one mile of Lake St. Clair shoreline. This landmark investment aims to:

• Benefit native Great Lakes species
• Reduce the impact of waves and flooding
• Decrease polluted runoff into the lake
• Increase public access to previously inaccessible shoreline areas for learning and recreation

Read more about the announcement here.

Explore the Site

Coming soon in Phase 1:
🪵 Boardwalk Access – A scenic, ADA-accessible path through the wooded wetland
📚 Outdoor Learning Zones – Designed to host environmental education programs for students and families
🌼 Native Plant Beds – Restored habitats to support butterflies, birds, and pollinators

Stay Connected

📬 Sign up for restoration updates and educational opportunities
🤝 Volunteer to help with native planting days (coming in 2026)
📸 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes progress

Accessibility Commitment

This project and webpage follow WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. New trails and the future boardwalk will be ADA-compliant, ensuring access for all. For accessibility questions, please email us.