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Green Initiatives
Environmental Sustainability
Protecting and preserving the natural spaces in Canton is extremely important. Canton's Parks, Golf, and Public Works divisions all work together to identify and implement environmentally sustainable practices whenever possible.
Audubon International
The Fellows Creek Golf Course has been certified as a Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. Throughout the Fellows Creek Golf Course, there are wetlands and bird areas that are protected to help wildlife habitats thrive.
No Mow Areas
In an effort to preserve the natural habitats of wildlife, Canton maintains several no mow areas within its parks and golf courses. If you see an area that looks overgrown with taller grass or wildflowers, it is likely that ducks, turtles, rabbits and other native creatures call these spaces home. Additionally, these spaces are ideal for bees and birds that help foster a healthy ecosystem. For no mow areas around ponds, the grasses help to stabilize the pond banks and help provide shelter for smaller bugs, frogs, and fish. Maintaining these no mow areas, help ensure that wildlife has a safe habitat in this region.
Phragmites
Phragmites are an invasive species that creates an enormous challenge for many parks, golf courses and wetland areas. In 2018, Canton worked with consultants to develop a Phragmite Mitigation Plan to eradicate the invasive vegetation in several community park areas. The process for mitigation will take at least two years to complete. Canton understands that a healthy watershed is contingent upon control of invasive species and thoughtful reintroduction of native plants. This project will help remove the identified phragmites invasion and add back more native vegetation to help with storm water runoff.
Pond Management
In Canton's exterior spaces and parks, pond management is a priority area. Ponds are vital to the wildlife in the parks, storm water runoff and also are used as irrigation on the golf courses and some parks. In 2017, several ponds near the Pheasant Run Golf Course and Summit on the Park Community Center underwent a stabilization project. The results have helped to ensure proper storage, drainage and erosion control.
Prescribed Burns
In an effort to maintain natural vegetation, prescribed burns are used in vegetated areas. By conducting the prescribed burns, non-native vegetation can be eliminated and provides native species the opportunity to re-establish themselves. Prescribed burns are conducted under supervision of trained professionals.
Energy Performance Contracts
In 2014, Canton first entered into Energy Performance Contracts to improve energy efficiencies within the Township's facilities and parks. Through these projects, Canton has been able to make equipment upgrades that improved heating and cooling systems, boilers, lighting retrofits, water conservation and other infrastructure components. Due to the significant results in energy savings, the Township has begun the evaluation process of future collaborative projects to replace HVAC equipment and lighting upgrades to Canton's outdoor facilities, roadways and surface lots.
Canton Township is commitment to environmental and fiscal sustainability. By controlling energy use, Canton saves over 20% annually on its utility costs.
Latest Energy Performance Projects
- Replacing 450 existing lights at the Summit on the Park with energy efficient LED lights and fixtures.
- In 2018, the Summit on the Project had a wattage savings of 135,987,076.
- Early 2019, 211 existing lights at the Department of Public Works building were replaced with energy efficient LED lights and fixtures.
- The DPW project will be completed in 2019.
- 10 Canton Township buildings have HVAC heating and cooling controls in place.
Recycling at Canton's Parks and Facilities
Canton residents visiting the community parks can expect to see cleaner public parks thanks to a significant grant made possible by Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS) in collaboration with national nonprofit Keep America Beautiful. The Dr Pepper Snapple Group/Keep America Beautiful Park Recycling Bin Grant Program provided funding to Canton Township to install 30 recycling bins that were placed in several parks, including: Heritage Park; Independence Park, Canton Dog Park and Preservation Park. In 2018, the Dr Pepper Snapple Group/Keep America Beautiful Park Recycling Bin Grant Program is funding 34 grants with a total distribution of 936 new recycling bins in public parks across the country, making recycling more accessible for Americans enjoying the outdoors.
Thanks to the overwhelming response from the initial installation, the Parks division will continue to add recycling opportunities throughout the parks, trails and green spaces. We just ask that you do your part and properly dispose of recycled materials in the Blue recycling bins.
All of Canton's Township facilities have single stream recycling bins available for guests and staff. Throughout all of the administrative areas, staff recycle paper, packing materials, and other supplies whenever possible. Guests are encouraged to use recycling bins when they visit. You may see standard blue or grey bins, but also several artistic bins that have been designed by local artists. All of these receptacles are maintained by the Facility Services and Parks staff. To learn more about home recycling, please click on the "Get Involved" tab.
Did you know?
- All of Canton's recycling bins are now single stream recycling. Yes, you can put empty plastic bottles, cans, and other recyclables in the same blue bin.
- In 2017, Canton Township's Administration Building recycled 72% of its generated debris.
Ways to Go Green
Canton residents are encouraged to help improve and protect the environment. Whether your interest is incorporating native plants into your yard, creating wildflower areas for bees, appropriately recycling used materials, or participating in an event, each action makes a big difference!
Native Plants
Michigan is home to many beautiful trees, plants, shrubs, grasses and flowers. When choosing which plants to add to your yard, consider adding native species. This helps the wildlife and ecosystem in our region and helps to minimize invasive species. Local nurseries and also Canton's Master Gardeners can provide advise on what types of plants are ideal for our area. You can talk with Canton's Master Gardeners each week during the season at the Farmers Market.
Hazardous Waste Round Up
Canton Township hosts annual Hazardous Waste Round-up events to encourage individuals to turn in non-recycled items such as oil, paints, and other chemicals. Public Works staff then properly dispose of the items. Learn more at the Public Works website or by calling 734/397-1011.
River Day
Each spring, Canton Municipal Services Department, Leisure Services Department and the Friends of the Rouge host the annual River Day event. The one day event helps to remove invasive species, reintroduces natural trees and plants, encourages recycling, and helps to build native bird houses. To learn more about getting involved please call 734/394-5150.
- Annually in May
Single Stream and Simple Recycling
Residents can now participate in Single Stream and Simple Recycling right from their curb. These two services allow residents the opportunity to recycle unwanted materials rather than putting them straight into the refuse container. For more information about how to take part in these two recycling programs please visit the Public Works website.
Canton Leisure Services encourages all residents and guests to actively get involved in green initiatives and recycling. To learn more about community wide Recycling, please visit the Municipal Services website or call 734/397-1011.