• More than 1,000 students and educators to gather May 6 at the Detroit Zoo.
• 86 Oakland County schools earned a Michigan Green School designation for 2025–2026.
• Student-led sustainability projects are driving real environmental impact across Southeast Michigan.

Pontiac, Mich. – Students from 86 Oakland County schools will head to the Detroit Zoo on May 6 to celebrate their designation as Michigan Green Schools for the 2025–2026 academic year. The Tri-County Green Schools Event will bring together more than 1,000 students, teachers and administrators from Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties to recognize student-led environmental leadership and innovation.

The annual event recognizes Green Teams for their work advancing sustainability through the Michigan Green Schools program, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Participating schools complete at least 10 activities across recycling, energy, environmental protection and other environmental initiatives to earn the designation.

“Students from across our region are showing that leadership on climate and sustainability is happening right now in our classrooms,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Their creativity and commitment are making a measurable difference in our communities.”

This year’s projects include waste reduction initiatives in school cafeterias, composting and recycling programs, no-idling campaigns during pick-up and drop-off, classroom salmon-raising efforts, used book swaps, repurposing materials like T-shirts into reusable bags and even constructing moss walls.

“We believe the next generation of environmental stewards isn’t just coming – they’re already here,” said Dr. Hayley Murphy, executive director and CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society. “Welcoming hundreds of students, teachers and administrators from Southeast Michigan to the Detroit Zoo for the annual Tri-County Michigan Green Schools Celebration is one of the most meaningful things we get to do all year. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when young people are given the tools and encouragement to lead, and we’re honored to be on this journey with them.”

Event speakers include Dr. Murphy; Jim Nash, Oakland County water resources commissioner; Patrick Cullen, deputy drain commissioner for Wayne County; Joe Sabatini, chair of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners; and Samantha Lichtenwald, coordinator for Michigan Green Schools.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our Tri-county Green Schools with Oakland County and the Detroit Zoological Society,” said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. “This program is an important way of helping our young people develop sustainable practices, understand the environmental issues the world is facing today and to see where they can make a difference.”

Sponsored by Consumers Energy, the program requires schools to reapply annually, with recognition levels - Green, Emerald and Evergreen - based on the number of completed activities.

Administered each school year by Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development in partnership with Oakland Schools and supported by the Board of Commissioners, the program highlights the unique environmental projects taking place in classrooms across the county.

"Our students in Oakland County aren't just talking about climate change, they are taking action from inside their classrooms to make a real impact," said Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak). “Today we celebrate their work and the ripple effect of the Michigan Green Schools program. We are witnessing the passion and tenacity of these students who will be leading the charge for a more sustainable future across our communities.”

“Congratulations to the Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County schools for being recognized as Michigan Green Schools,” said Kenneth Gutman, Oakland Schools superintendent. “This celebration highlights the power of environmental education, and the meaningful role students and educators play in protecting Michigan’s air, land, water, and ecosystems. By reducing environmental impact, supporting healthier school communities, and creating hands-on sustainability learning opportunities, these schools are helping students become thoughtful stewards of our shared future.”

The Tri-County Green Schools Celebration underscores the region’s shared commitment to building a culture of environmental responsibility through education and action. For more information about the Michigan Green Schools program, visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy website.

“The students, teachers, administrators and parent helpers at these designated Michigan Green Schools have really outdone themselves this year,” said Whitney Calio, principal planner for Oakland County Planning and Local Business Development Division. “There are so many interesting and unique activities being done that it really paints a picture of students who are passionate about and dedicated to taking care of our planet. It is inspiring to read about all of their work.”

For more information, click on the Michigan Green Schools link.