A large green infrastructure project in one of Macomb County’s largest drains -- featuring thousands of newly-plants trees, shrubs and perennials plus a new hike/bike path -- was formally unveiled Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, by county and Sterling Heights city officials.
The vast project in a 1.2-mile section of the Sterling Relief Drain from west of Ryan Road, downstream to Mound Road, involves the “daylighting”, or retrofitting, that includes reconstructed manholes and modified inlets to keep trash out of the enclosed drain and keep stormwater runoff in the open channel, allowing it to filter through the native plantings.
“This is a remarkable project that is very environmentally friendly by improving water quality and the local habitat while boosting the city’s recreational opportunities for residents providing this new path for their enjoyment,” Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller said. “It’s been a great partnership between our department and Sterling Heights, and the benefits extend well beyond the city because the Sterling Relief Drain connects to the Red Run Drain which flows into the Clinton River and ultimately Lake St. Clair.”
The project features:
*42 acres of restored habitat
*Planting of 2,800 trees and shrubs, expected to be completed in the fall.
*2,500 native perennials and pollinator plugs
*More than 200 pounds native and pollinator seeds
*A 3,000-linear-foot shared-use pedestrian path from Nelson Park to Ryan Road.
“Investing in the Sterling Relief Drain project is an investment in the long-term resilience of our community," said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. "This critical infrastructure will help protect homes, businesses and roadways from flooding and strengthen our ability to manage increasingly severe weather events. By addressing these needs proactively, we are safeguarding our neighborhoods and delivering lasting value for residents now and for years to come.”
The $1 million reconstruction of this section of the Sterling Relief Drain is funded through a partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Macomb County Public Works Office, the City of Sterling Heights, the Sterling Relief Drain drainage board and grant support from DTE and Consumers Energy.
“The trail component of the Sterling Relief Drain project creates an important new connection for residents to walk, run and bike safely through our community," said Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois. "Beyond the drainage improvements, this project gives us an opportunity to expand access to recreation and a broader trail network, connect neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life that makes Sterling Heights such a great place to live.”
Located south of Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile), the Sterling Relief Drain flows west to east -- from west of Ryan Road to east of Schoenherr Road wear it meets the Red Run Drain behind Freedom Hill County Park. It provides drainage of stormwater and melting snow from approximately 20% of the city. The first phase of daylighting the Sterling Relief Drain – between Van Dyke Avenue and Schoenherr Road – was completed in 2020 and included a butterfly flyway. That project, which was funded by grants, includes a butterfly flyway and earned awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection agency and the National Fish & Wildlife Service.
“Areas that were previously maintained as mowed turf grass have been converted into pollinator fields featuring native grasses and perennial flowers – plantings that help absorb and filter millions of gallons of stormwater. When you factor in the first phase of daylighting and green infrastructure of the Sterling Relief Drain completed between Van Dyke and Freedom Hill County Park, this remarkable initiative is removing thousands of pounds of phosphorus and sediment each year before it reaches the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair,” Miller said.
