A Natural Partnership: Detroit Zoological Society, Huron-Clinton Metroparks team up to promote outdoor education in Macomb County

Two major community organizations coming together to bring new programs to Macomb residents

Watch a brief video about this announcement

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.”