Michigan is at the heart of our Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes make up the largest body of fresh water on Earth. For many of us, the Great Lakes are central to our quality of life. They are a vital natural resource that has shaped Michigan's history and culture and we continue to rely on them for clean drinking water and a thriving economy. That's why the Michigan Chapter's volunteers and staff are working so hard to restore and protect our precious Great Lakes.
Great Lakes Program
The Great Lakes hold one fifth of the world's fresh surface water supply and 90% of the fresh surface water in the U.S. Currently, they provide drinking water to over 42 million people and also add adventure, serenity and beauty to the our lives. The health of these lakes, which are home to countless unique species, is critical. The goal of the Great Lakes, Great Communities Campaign is to protect our communities from the worst damage caused by climate change while helping to protect, restore, and preserve the water resources of the Great Lakes.
Our campaign has four outcomes:
- Demonstrate the effectiveness of green infrastructure solutions.
- Increase the awareness and implementation of water conservation techniques in Detroit.
- Work with Detroit residents to continue the implementation of green infrastructure.
- Increase the City of Detroit's use of green infrastructure.
Do you want to help protect the Great Lakes? Email glgc@michigan.sierraclub.org or check out our volunteer opportunities to get involved.
LAST CALL! Submit a message to Gov. Whitmer and EGLE.
Demand denial of the tunnel permit!
At the Oil and Water Don't Mix July campaign briefing, we heard the latest campaign updates -- the biggest news is that the permitting decision by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is expected TODAY (July 15, 2026). We also got an update from the Jadine Sonoda with Sierra Club Wisconsin on the Line 5 reroute construction and discussed a recent frac-out (drilling fluid spill) into forest wetlands. A true cautionary tale of what's to come should the Great Lakes Tunnel project move forward.
Take Action!
Keep the pressure on! Please share, like, and comment on these posts on your social media today!
Whitmer's Legacy Video
A tunnel collapse happened last year in Los Angeles -- the similarities are uncanny and serve as a cautionary tale of what could happen during tunnel construction under the Straits.
What's at stake for tunnel construction, including the destruction of forest and habitat for endangered species.
PS: If you haven't sent Gov. Whitmer and EGLE a message to deny the tunnel permit, send the email here. LAST CHANCE!
Stormwater Specialist Training Program
The Stormwater Specialist Training (SWST) program is a green jobs initiative in collaboration with Friends of the Rouge that prepares individuals to manage and maintain large-scale green stormwater infrastructure installations. Participants attend a free eight-week course series that aims to introduce and develop a deep understanding of various types of green infrastructure installations and their stormwater management properties. Upon completion, participants will be able to weed native gardens, use plant identification techniques, conduct photo monitoring, complete soil identification, observe and correct erosion and sediment issues, and transplant and thin plants. Additionally, participants can expect to strengthen their work readiness skills to aid in their success in the course.
2026 Course Dates and Times
May 19th-July 9th
8 Weeks, 16 Classes
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 am – 12 pm
Class Location:
St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center
19321 W. Chicago, Detroit, 48228
This opportunity has closed, please check back for the next cohort launch.
Plastics Pollution
Sierra Club leader and plastics expert, Art Hirsch, presented on Microplastics in the Great Lakes. Watch the webinar below: