Shoreline Restoration Project Ribbon Cutting
Join us to celebrate the opening!
Shoreline Restoration Project
Ribbon Cutting
The Shoreline Restoration Ribbon Cutting at Ford House marks the completion of a multi-year project to restore nearly one mile of Lake St. Clair shoreline. The event opens a new ADA accessible path along the berm, the restored Ford Cove, and Bird Island to the public.
During the restoration, felled trees were intentionally placed in Ford Cove. Their wood now creates shelter and spawning structure for fish and habitat for shoreline birds. Native willows will be planted along the berm in spring 2027, continuing a cycle the original landscape designers would have recognized.
Friends of Ford House will take the ceremonial first walk along the new path. Members of the press and invited guests are welcome to join the morning program, which includes brief remarks from project partners and the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, the lead funder of the restoration.
The path is open to all visitors during regular grounds hours following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Federal funding received from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation.
Visit here for additional information on the Shoreline Restoration Project.
Hourly Schedule
Schedule of Events
- 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
- Guest Arrival
- Check in at the Visitor Center
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Speaking Program
- Welcoming remarks from Ford House Leadership and project partners: Mark J. Heppner · President and CEO, Ford House Senator Kevin Hertel · Michigan State Senate Mark Hackel · Macomb County Executive Candice Miller · Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Kevin Drotos · Landscape and Natural Areas Manager and Project Manager, Ford House Brian Majka · GEI
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Ribbon Cutting & Ceremonial First Walk
- Guests walk the new path together from the Visitor Center to the Main Residence, and explore the restored shoreline and Bird Island.
- 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
- Media Interviews with Ford House Leadership
- Members of the press meet with Ford House leadership, project manager Kevin Drotos, and a NOAA representative at the lakefront. Press should RSVP in advance to coordinate interview times.
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Refund Policy
All ticket sales, memberships, and other purchases are non-refundable. Refunds will only be issued if Ford House closes or cancels an event. In such cases, guests with tickets or reservations will be notified.
Accessibility
At Ford House, we are committed to ensuring all guests can enjoy our events. If you have any questions or need additional information about accessibility before booking your tickets, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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