PRESS ROOM

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. 

Leaders with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) are embarking on an exciting partnership, building off each other’s strengths to bring meaningful programming and educational resources to the residents in Macomb County and southeast Michigan.

The partnership will focus on collaborating with local leaders, teachers and Macomb County residents to expand the educational components of nature and wildlife beyond the Detroit Zoo and the Metroparks. This collaboration will ultimately showcase the advantage of having these organizations directly in our backyards to create opportunities for communities to connect with nature.

“We can have a far greater impact on our communities by working together and leveraging strengths and resources than we can by working alone,” said Amy McMillan, director of the Metroparks. “This new collaboration will be something special, and it will bring together an opportunity for both of our organizations to learn from each other and grow together. We are very excited to start working on the details of the wonderful things we can bring to the community together. We invite all of Macomb and surrounding counties to follow along to see how this partnership evolves.”

“As two beloved Metro Detroit organizations focused on meaningful experiences with nature, our partnership is uniquely positioned to enhance connections to wildlife and wild places, serve the community and invest in the residents of Macomb County,” said Dr. Hayley Murphy, DZS executive director and CEO. “While we’re still planning the future of what this partnership will look like, we know it will bring amazing new investments to Macomb County communities, and we can’t wait to get started.”

The relationship is still in its early exploration phase, and over the next several months, the two organizations will be spending time figuring out the best way to move forward and what the partnership will entail. Board members from the Metroparks and DZS have voted to support moving forward with these initial plans, and a more formal partnership agreement is currently being discussed that will be unveiled at a later date.

“This partnership between the Detroit Zoological Society and Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority will enhance the way Macomb County interacts with our natural environment,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “These two respected and innovative organizations will broaden their community presence through unique programs and provide Macomb County residents with inspiring experiences right in their backyards.”

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About Detroit Zoological Society

The Detroit Zoological Society – a renowned leader in humane education, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and environmental sustainability – operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. One of Michigan’s largest paid family attractions, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak hosts more than 1.3 million visitors annually. Its 125 acres of award-winning, naturalistic habitats are home to more than 2,000 animals representing 232 species. The Belle Isle Nature Center sits on a 5-acre site on Belle Isle State Park in Detroit. For hours, prices, directions and other information, call (248) 5415717 or visit detroitzoo.org.

About Huron-Clinton Metroparks

One of America’s premier metropolitan park systems, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have served the people of Southeast Michigan since 1940. Managed by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the Metroparks are made up of 13 properties in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. The Metroparks are open 365 days a year and encompass 25,000 acres of nature and recreational facilities. Each year, more than 1.5 million people engage with the Metroparks to enjoy amenities such as picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, disc golf, cross country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and a diversity of outdoor programs and special events. The Metroparks also provide educational resources on science, nature, history and the environment. Learn more at Metroparks.com.