56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Independencia de México

    Independencia de México

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Can you be arrested for looking Hispanic?

    Can you be arrested for looking Hispanic?

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

  • Community

    Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

    Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

    Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

    Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

    A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.

    Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Detroit City FC Stadium Financing Unveiled to Neighborhood Advisory Council

    Detroit City FC Stadium Financing Unveiled to Neighborhood Advisory Council

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

  • Featured
    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    Gutierrez and cousin Jacob Lozano

    Donut Villa Expands to Second Location Near Ford Rouge Plant

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

    Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

    A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.

    Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

    Independencia de México

    Independencia de México

    ¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

    ¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Ayapaneco Numte oote – Zoque de Tabasco

    Ayapaneco Numte oote – Zoque de Tabasco

    Festivalgoers enjoying the photobooth.

    SWFest: Celebrating Five Years of Creativity and Community

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Independencia de México

    Independencia de México

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Can you be arrested for looking Hispanic?

    Can you be arrested for looking Hispanic?

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

  • Community

    Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

    Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

    Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

    Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

    A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.

    Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Detroit City FC Stadium Financing Unveiled to Neighborhood Advisory Council

    Detroit City FC Stadium Financing Unveiled to Neighborhood Advisory Council

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

  • Featured
    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    Gutierrez and cousin Jacob Lozano

    Donut Villa Expands to Second Location Near Ford Rouge Plant

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

    Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

    A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.

    Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

    Independencia de México

    Independencia de México

    ¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

    ¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Ayapaneco Numte oote – Zoque de Tabasco

    Ayapaneco Numte oote – Zoque de Tabasco

    Festivalgoers enjoying the photobooth.

    SWFest: Celebrating Five Years of Creativity and Community

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Faith and Sustainability: A Rain Garden on Sacred Ground

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
June 19, 2025
in Community
Reading Time: 7 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend
  • Estefania Arellano-Bermudez
  • Alejandro Ugalde Sandoval
  • June 12, 2025

Rich, dark soil winds around the front of Grace in Action’s building, peppered with bright green plants stretching out toward the sun. Residents line the walkway to take home small pots of Ohio spiderwort, New England aster, golden Alexander, and more. The anise hyssop, in particular, has a fragrant licorice aroma that sticks to your fingertips.

Pastor John Cummings of Grace in Action – and residents – gathered last Thursday, June 5 to officially cut the ribbon to the rain garden, which had been planted in the fall of 2024. Pastor Cummings passed around plant springs dipped in holy water so the attendees could bless the rain garden.

Grace in Action on Lawndale is the latest activation site in a series of projects that aims to use green infrastructure to cut stormwater costs. Led by the National Wildlife Foundation and partnering with Sierra Club and Friends of the Rouge, the Sacred Ground initiative began in 2018 after a restructuring of Detroit drainage fees was enacted. This restructuring called for a fee for every acre of impervious surface, meaning a church with a parking lot could see an increase in stormwater costs.

“In Detroit you get a discount off of your drainage fee if you have certain kinds of green infrastructure that limits the amount of water that’s going into the stormwater system. Rain gardens are a great way to do that,” Erin Johnson said. She is the Community Organizer for the Sierra Club of Michigan.

Because the native plants chosen for these sites hold more water than grass, they are the best choice for absorbing water runoff. As a bonus, they provide food and habitats for pollinators. Access to nature is also an important benefit. Rain gardens provide green spaces for residents, like the ones tucked in close to the Grace in Action building.

“These rain gardens are a co-benefit type of project that not only attracts pollinators, but also helps with stormwater that is coming off the roofs, the parking lots, any type of non-pervious surface from entering into our combined sewage overflow,” Tiffany Jones, Education and Engagement Manager at the National Wildlife Federation, said at the ribbon cutting of the rain garden. “We also know that these are places of enjoyment for young children to access nature.”

Pastor Cummings was approached with the idea for the Grace in Action rain garden around 2022, Jones said.

“I was excited,” said Pastor Cummings. “It’s just really cool to see people learning about the native plants, how to care for them, help them to flourish, how it benefits the greater ecosystem, the cycle of life.”

Detroit Resident Leticia Gonzalez, whose children attend guitar lessons and programming at Grace in Action, was in attendance on Thursday. She was also part of the community meetings regarding bringing the rain garden to the church.

“[Pastor] John asked for our opinion and the community said it was a good opportunity.”

Sacred Grounds includes 20 Detroit sites such as Detroit Hope, Christ the King, Marygrove, and Gesu. There are 120 sites scattered throughout four cities – Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, and Grand Rapids. Maintenance efforts and community education are supported as part of the program.

The financial backing comes from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

“This project represents resilience, it represents joy, it represents beauty and so much more. So I’m just pleased and honored to make this a Sacred Ground site,” said Johnson.

To learn more about Nonresidential Drainage Credits and how a rain garden could help offset stormwater costs, visit https://bit.ly/DetroitDrainageGuidelines.

This article and photos were made possible thanks to a generous grant to EL CENTRAL Hispanic News by Press Forward, the national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news.  Learn more at www.pressforward.news.

Previous Post

City Woes Continue 

Next Post

Kikapú

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Community

Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

by EL CENTRAL
September 18, 2025
0

Detroit’s Latino community met with the Smithsonian to shape the Museo Móvil, a traveling museum honoring Latino history, culture, and...

Read moreDetails
Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide
Community

Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

by EL CENTRAL
September 18, 2025
0

Explore the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide—celebrating Latino history, labor roots, and community impact in Detroit’s auto industry.

Read moreDetails
Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries
Business

Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

by EL CENTRAL
September 18, 2025
0

Discover Hank Aguirre’s legacy: from Detroit Tigers All-Star pitcher to founder of Mexican Industries, a Latino-owned auto supplier in Detroit.

Read moreDetails
Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances
Community

Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

by EL CENTRAL
September 18, 2025
0

Detroit Lions’ Plaza de los Leones & Tigers’ ¡Fiesta Tigres! honor Latino Heritage Month with music, dance, art, food, and...

Read moreDetails
A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.
Community

Cultura y Comunidad – September

by Michael Gutierrez
September 24, 2025
0

Tu voz, tu barrio, tu espacio | Your voice, your neighborhood, your space

Read moreDetails
Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote
Community

Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

by Michael Gutierrez
September 18, 2025
0

Detroit’s Bagley-West Vernor corridor earns unanimous nomination for the National Register of Historic Places, unlocking up to 45% renovation tax...

Read moreDetails
Next Post
Kikapú

Kikapú

Leave Comment
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

September 18, 2025

Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

September 18, 2025
Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

September 18, 2025
Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

September 18, 2025

Recent News

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

September 18, 2025

Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

September 18, 2025
Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

September 18, 2025
Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

September 18, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

September 18, 2025

Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

September 18, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Sections
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS