Shoreline Restoration Project
Shoreline Restoration Project
Reviving the Wetlands. Restoring the Shoreline. Reconnecting People with Nature.
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 — one of the top three priority coastal restoration projects in the State of Michigan. 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.
The project is now actively underway across multiple areas of the estate. Phase 1 (the restored wetlands boardwalk near the Visitor Center) is complete. Active construction is now underway along the Lake St. Clair shoreline, with two crews working simultaneously: one on the historic core shoreline from the Visitor Center to the Power House, and a second on Bird Island.
In the past, concrete and cement slabs were placed along the shoreline of Ford Cove to protect it from erosion. But doing so actually harms the natural habitats of many native species. “By restoring the shoreline to its natural condition, we can support our local wildlife and provide more sustainable care to the estate and its shoreline,” says Kevin Drotos, Ford House Landscape and Natural Areas Manager and Project Manager.
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
🎣 Increases recreational fishing opportunities along the restored shoreline
🌦 Reduces wave impact, flooding, and polluted runoff into Lake St. Clair
Construction Update
Updated: June 26, 2026
A Major Milestone on the Shoreline
On July 7, Ford House will mark a major milestone in the Shoreline Restoration Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Ford Cove.
The event celebrates the public opening of restored shoreline that was previously inaccessible, giving visitors a first look at natural habitat returning to one of the last stretches of Lake St. Clair suitable for large-scale restoration.
The ceremony recognizes the collaborative work of NOAA, Ford House, and project partners to reconnect the community with the water’s edge. Work continues across the project area, with additional phases ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as the shoreline takes shape.
Updated: April 24, 2026
Historic core shoreline: The new berm between the Visitor Center and the Power House is taking shape. Recent dry weather has kept work on pace, and once the berm core is complete, crews will install a universally accessible pathway on top, allowing visitors to walk safely from the Visitor Center to the historic buildings. Engineering and design are ongoing for a new pier near the Power House. A new gathering area is beginning to form at the end of the plaza. Planting in this zone is targeted for early June, weather permitting.
Bird Island: Heavy construction is complete. The opening under the bridge to Bird Island is done, and the dynamic revetment on the lake side, a design that mimics a natural cobble beach, is finished. Boardwalk construction has started on the cove-side pathway. Once the boardwalk is complete, grading will wrap up and the woodchip path will be restored. Planting is scheduled for late summer or early fall.
Staging and site restoration: Construction staging is nearing completion in the little meadow, with site restoration to follow. Spoils from the old berm are staged at the back of the parking lot and will be the last area addressed. Sod replacement along the road will begin as heavy construction tapers.
Bird Island and sections of the active shoreline remain closed for safety.
Updated: March 5, 2026
Historic core shoreline: Concrete removal is complete from the Visitor Center to the Power House. Grading, stone placement, and woody habitat installation are ongoing. The historic sandy beach near the Power House is being restored. Berm construction is beginning, weather permitting.
Bird Island: Cove-side work is nearly complete. Lake-side work continues as ice conditions allow.
Project Timeline
| Date | Milestone | Status |
|---|---|---|
| June 2023 | NOAA Grant Awarded ($7M) | Complete |
| 2024–2025 | Phase 1: Wetland Boardwalk | Complete |
| Early 2026 | Shoreline Construction Begins | Complete |
| March 2026 | Active Construction: Historic Core & Bird Island | Complete |
| Mid-April 2026 | Heavy Equipment Complete; Focus Shifts to Northwest Corner | Complete |
| Mid-May 2026 | Pathways Installed; Historic Core Planting Begins | Complete |
| Early to Mid-June 2026 | Historic Core Planting Complete | In Progress |
| Summer 2026 | Bird Island Boardwalk Construction | In Progress |
| Mid-Fall 2026 | Pier Construction Begins; Bird Island Reopens | Upcoming |
| Spring 2027 | Northwest Corner Planting Complete | Upcoming |
| Fall 2027 | Final Plantings and Warranty Work | Upcoming |
| November 2027 | Anticipated Project Completion | Upcoming |
What We've Accomplished
Phase 1 restored the wooded wetland near the Visitor Center, including the construction of an elevated, ADA-accessible boardwalk. Native tree and plant species were established, invasive species removed, and new wildlife habitat created. More than 15,000 native perennials and 500 trees and shrubs were planted. The boardwalk now serves as an outdoor classroom for ecology education programs and is open to visitors with grounds admission.
In Their Words
“Knowing that NOAA has put their trust in Ford House to care for and protect our native species and the remarkable shoreline is, simply put, tremendous. Eleanor and Edsel Ford truly loved their home and this beautiful community. It is wonderful knowing that we can continue to serve as stewards of Eleanor’s wishes while having greater impact and relevancy.” — Mark J. Heppner, President and CEO, Ford House
“NOAA is proud to support the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in their important work to restore habitat and bring benefits to Great Lakes fisheries and communities.” — Sunny Snider, Deputy Director, NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation
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.
Visit and Stay Connected
Wetland Boardwalk: Now open. The ADA-accessible boardwalk winds through the restored wooded wetland near the Visitor Center. Included with grounds admission.
Outdoor Learning Zones: Designed to host environmental education programs for students and families.
Native Plant Beds: Restored habitats supporting butterflies, birds, and pollinators.
Sign up for restoration updates and educational opportunities.
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes progress.
This project follows WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility guidelines. New trails and the boardwalk are ADA-compliant. For accessibility questions, please email us.
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