Our Projects
Industrial Environmental Impact Project
​The Industrial Environmental Impact project implementation is led by the Genesee Conservation District (GCD) on public land owned by the Genesee County Land Bank and the City of Flint. The GCD proposed the project and was awarded grants from the Consumers Energy Foundation and The Conservation Fund.
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The purpose of this project is to remove non-structural blight (dead trees, overgrown fence lines, invasive species, etc) from vacant lot and then to densely plant hardy Michigan native trees in its place. This is to demonstrate a land management technique that could be used on vacant lots throughout the city.
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The dense tree plantings will shade out grass, eliminate the need for constant mowing throughout the warmer seasons, will prevent other unsightly invasive plant species from growing in its place, and will provide many other benefits including:
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discouraging illegal dumping
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creating a cooling effect in the summers
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absorbing rainwater to reduce flooding
An example of what the project is intended to look like in 10+ years. Photo was taken from a similar project on vacant lots in the city of Detroit, 2024.
​​​​The trees will be planted closely and will grow tall and straight, not shrubby. This will provide a clear viewline from the road across the lots.
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Details:
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​The project is transforming approximately 5.5 acres of vacant lots in the quadrant of Pierson Road, Industrial Ave, Wager Ave, and North Street.
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These lots are receiving invasive species treatment, brush removal, dead/dying tree removal, and will be planted with native Michigan trees in the spring of 2025. The GCD will establish the trees throughout the 2025 growing season.
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The lots will remain Land Bank or City of Flint lots.
A snapshot of the work being done
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Progress being made on vacant lots on E Baltimore Blvd near Industrial Ave. These lots have received their first treatment for invasive species and an initial trash cleanup has taken place.
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These lots have received their first invasive species treatment, had an initial trash clean up take place, and are soon to have all dead/dying trees removed. Lots are on E Marengo Ave near Industrial Ave.
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​​Native trees to be planted:
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Our plan is to plant 1,600 native Michigan trees in the spring of 2025 on the indicated lots. These trees are largely different from the majority of the trees you see growing in the area already. These trees grow with hardy wood and will be maintained.
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Michigan native tree varieties to be planted include:
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Catalpa
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Sugar maple
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Sycamore
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Redbud
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White pine
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Oaks - red, white, swamp white
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Black walnut
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Key features of the project: ​
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The trees will be spaced appropriately so that a lawnmower will be able to get between them easily for easy maintenance before they are established.
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The native Michigan trees will be a hardier, more durable tree than most of the older, scraggly looking trees you see currently growing around the city.
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The trees will be planted closely and will grow tall and straight, not shrubby. This will provide a clear viewline from the road across the lots.
Tree Planting Benefits:
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Discourages illegal dumping
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A clear view across lot increases safety
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Reduces noise and air pollution
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Restoring vacant lots
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Creates shade and a cooling effect in warmer weather
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Greener spaces
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Reduces storm water runoff and flooding
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​Partners in implementing this project include: Industrial neighborhood residents, Genesee County Land Bank, City of Flint, Neighborhood Engagement Hub, and Crimestoppers of Flint and Genesee County.
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This project is being done in thanks to our funders:
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For more information, please reach out at karri.tomich-baylis@macd.org