(Detroit, May 14, 2010) – It's wet, muddy and a long way from the comfortable setting at the office. Sometimes creating a better world is a dirty business, but it can often be fun, too.
Hundreds of Ford volunteers found that out on a Ford Accelerated Action Day filled with environmental and water conservation projects. The Ford Volunteer Corps was out in force with MODEL Teams in three dozen locations. Ford employee and retiree volunteers created nature trails, revitalized gardens, and installed rain collection and storm water filtration systems.
At the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, MODEL Teams helped rehabilitate a former industrial brownfield site by planting native species to beautify the gateway to Humbug Marsh and rare urban wetlands.
"Ford very early on saw the value and benefit of having a national wildlife refuge from Dearborn to the Ohio line, so they helped with the acquisition of Humbug Marsh and Ford Marsh," said John Hartig, manager, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. "It is absolutely essential to have a leader in the corporate sector step forward and say this is important."
“My friends at Ford have done a superb job of helping us with a number of projects in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge,” said Michigan Congressman John Dingell, who authored the act to establish the refuge. “They are to be commended for their continuing support for efforts to improve this important watershed.”
Water conservation has long been an integral part of Ford's overall sustainability strategy. The company has successfully reduced water use, and continues to work on ways to reduce the environmental impact of our facilities. Ford also provided more than $60,000 in mini-grants for tools and materials to support the volunteer projects.
"This is awesome," said Darrell Rande, manager, Ford ITO. "It's a beautiful day and it's fun to tell people what you've been doing."
"Some of these folks I work with and some I don't, but I've made some new friends." said Mary Jo Reno-Brevoort, market rep specialist. "Ford really cares and is very supportive of the communities."
The next Ford Accelerated Action Day is September 10 during Ford Global Week of Caring.
Additional Coverage
• With Video: Ford Workers Pitch in to Beautify Wildlife Refuge in Trenton, Michigan (The News-Herald)
• Ford Volunteers Plant Native Species at Trenton Wildlife Refuge (Detroit Free Press)
