It is a reality of life in our region that some of the more intriguing natural areas are closed to public access.  This is true of much of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge complex in Ohio.  It is true of the E.S. George Reserve near Hell.  And it is true of many sites within the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

One site of particular note is the land adjacent to the DTE Energy (Detroit Edison) Monroe power plant.  DTE has, in the past, used its surplus land on that site as a walleye fishery.  It has also worked to encourage the nesting of larger raptors like bald eagles.  In addition, DTE has enrolled large blocks of its Monroe County holdings into the new Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

I’m not sure if this outweighs the brown streak in the sky, the mercury emissions, the aesthetic pollution of the power plant stacks or the high-security fencing along areas of our shoreline, but DTE is certainly trying hard to make sure that we think it does.

Recently, DTE has announced plans to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore additional wetlands at the Monroe power plant.  See a description of this effort here:

http://www.wildlifehc.org/news/membernews/index.cfm?Page=1&NewsID=35092

There are some opportunities to see some of this nature.  DTE participates in the annual December Audubon Society Christmas bird count.  I believe that the Lotus Garden Club also visits the site sometimes during its summer lotus tours (Note: If anyone knows when this event will be, I’d sure appreciate it.).  I would also be curious if DTE sponsors tours of the natural habitats at its plants.  I’d like to go on one if they do.

If you want an overhead view of DTE’s Monroe Power Plant, click below:

http://maps.live.com/?v=2&cid=628A87FDBE3AF2A!260&encType=1

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