Preserving 'Our Natural Legacy' though the Green Infrastructure Visioning Project

By Barbara Merryfield
Marketing Intern

Oakland County has an abundance of natural amenities that offer its residents beauty, recreation and serenity. This extraordinary natural setting is the primary reason for the substantial growth and development in Oakland County over the past 50 years. Today, we are challenged to create delicate balance of conservation and economic development. Oakland County Economic Development and Community Affairs staff members are actively assisting communities achieve conservation goals with the Green Infrastructure Vision Project. 

Established in 2004, project draws upon previous environmental planning efforts, to locate existing green infrastructure elements and assist communities in identifying preservation opportunities for local consideration.

Oakland County’s abundant natural elements include:

• Five river systems
• Over 1,400 lakes
• Largest prairie fen (grassy wetland) in the region
• 27 miles of completed trails
• 142 miles of prospective trails
• 89,000 acres of park and recreation land
• 93,000 acres of potential natural areas

These natural resources, when linked together, form a green infrastructure network. Anchoring the network are large natural areas known as hubs, followed by smaller ecological landscape features known as sites. Both habitats provide an origin or destination for wildlife, but remain independent of each other without natural corridors, known as links, which facilitate movement among links and hubs. These networks also provide free service for residents, such as water filtration, storm water control, air purification, outdoor recreation, scenic areas and higher property values.

“Environmentally, Green Infrastructure provides many services we take for granted, such as conserving soil, regulating water flow, and providing a home for many forms of wild life,” said Oakland County Environmental Stewardship Senior Planner, Jim Keglovitz.

With support from the Green Infrastructure Vision Project, communities have access state-of-the-art natural resource mapping information, technical assistance and long-term project support. In addition, the project brings individual community efforts together creating multi-jurisdictional preservation projects.

Through the Oakland County Natural Area Advisory Group, communities have access to a network of local initiatives that offer additional support. “The Green Infrastructure Program provides an excellent opportunity for communities to update existing natural area plans, place conservation efforts within the context of larger ecosystem and coordinate open space plans with surrounding communities,” said Keglovitz, “it strengthens the entire region.”

For more information about the Green Infrastructure Program, please contact Oakland County Environmental Stewardship Senior Planner Jim Keglovitz at 248-858-5447.