“We can all make a difference with green stormwater infrastructure. The challenge is shifting mindsets to make this the norm.” - Amy Nowakowski, Senior Project Manager

Since 2023, in response to a community visioning session led by Huron Pines, the City of Alpena has been installing Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) to better manage runoff and protect water quality across the city. Community members were able to provide feedback on a series of GSI project ideas and vote on their favorites; now these projects are coming to life. As part of this effort, two major stormwater projects were completed in fall 2025 at Bay View Park, transforming sections of turfgrass into native-plant landscapes that benefit water quality and the local ecosystem. Two more rain gardens are being constructed in late 2026 that will capture an estimated quarter-million gallons of runoff annually.

At Bay View Park situated on the shore of Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay, a 6,000-square-foot pollinator garden has taken shape, replacing the traditional lawn and providing important habitat for pollinators and wildlife while serving as a community showpiece of native gardening. Nearby, a 1,000-square-foot rain garden was installed in a low area where rain and snowmelt often pools. Designed with layers of rock and soil, this rain garden captures and filters stormwater runoff with the help of deep-rooted native plants, reducing maintenance for Department of Public Works staff and catching pollutants before they can reach the lake.

Alpena joined the Lake Huron Forever initiative in 2023, committing to the protection of Lake Huron’s water quality by curbing stormwater runoff, protecting sensitive natural areas and inspiring community members to action. Because Alpena draws its drinking water directly from Lake Huron, these projects play an important role in protecting public health and the environment.

Two more stormwater projects are being implemented in downtown Alpena in late 2026.

A rain garden will replace an existing cobblestone berm along River Street with deep-rooted native plants which will filter stormwater runoff naturally while providing blossoms for birds and beneficial insects. The project supports the City’s planned renovation of an adjacent parking lot at the corner of River Street and North Third Avenue, and Huron Pines was able to secure grant funding to support the renovation and rain garden.

A second rain garden will be installed this fall near the Alpena Downtown Development Authority building on the corner of East Washington Avenue and West Chisholm Street, converting an existing lawn area into a fully-functioning example of green stormwater infrastructure. A combination of trees, shrubs and native wildflowers will catch runoff from the roof of the DDA building and surrounding streetscape, reducing the load on underground storm sewers while serving as a community showpiece for stormwater management.

Read more: Two new rain gardens coming to downtown Alpena

Huron Pines supports this work by guiding the City’s planning, assisting with garden design, selecting native plants and organizing volunteer planting efforts. Additional partners, including Michigan EGLE Coastal Management Program, NOAA’s National Coastal Zone Management Program, City of Alpena, Birdsfoot Native Nursery, Grayjay Strategies, and local residents are contributing to this project’s success.

Though construction of the gardens is complete, their ongoing maintenance will help ensure their continued success. Community members can support this effort by volunteering with maintenance and planting days or doing similar projects at home, helping to further protect water quality for Lake Huron.