Birmingham Green - City of Birmingham, MI

04/15/2026

April is !

Native plants play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They are naturally adapted to our local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance. Even more importantly, they provide essential habitat and food sources for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife—helping to strengthen biodiversity right here in our community.

Throughout the month, Birmingham Green will be highlighting native plant species you can incorporate into your own landscape.

Pictured (center): Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
This small native tree is known for its vibrant pink blossoms that appear in early spring—even before its leaves emerge. Eastern Redbuds provide an important early-season nectar source for pollinators and are well-suited for residential landscapes thanks to their adaptability and year-round visual interest.

Background plant: Bluestar (Amsonia)
Bluestar flowers are also Michigan natives, sometimes known as Amsonia. From late spring to early summer, this flowering plant produces clusters of pale blue, star-shaped blooms—rightfully earning its name. It is also well known for its vibrant fall foliage, making it a beautiful choice across seasons. Similar to Swamp Milkweed, Bluestar contains a milky sap that tends to discourage grazing from deer and rabbits.

Follow along this month as we share more native plant features, tips, and ways to support a healthier, more resilient Birmingham 🌼

04/15/2026

Check out this article about our Birmingham Rain Garden Program in Birmingham/Bloomfield Eagle!

Visit our website for more information at https://bhamgov.org/about_birmingham/city_government/sustainability_and_climate_action/rain_garden_program.php

BIRMINGHAM — Birmingham is encouraging residents to build rain gardens in their yards. To make the process more accessible to the public, the city put together a step-by-step guide to building a rain garden at home.

04/10/2026

Birmingham is taking action to address our changing climate! The Birmingham Green: Healthy Climate Plan is more than a vision - it is a data-driven plan to improve quality of life across all our neighborhoods.

Some Key Objectives by 2035:
✅ Reduce municipal and community greenhouse gas emissions by 25%.
✅ Increase stormwater infiltration capacity by 500,000 gallons per rain event.
✅ Restore up to 470 acres of native and naturalized areas.
✅ Transition City operations toward 100% clean energy.

By integrating sustainability into our daily operations and long-term planning, we are ensuring that Birmingham remains a regional leader in environmental stewardship.

Read the plan and see how you can get engaged at: bhamgov.org/sustainability

04/09/2026

Introducing the Birmingham Rain Garden Program!

Residents can now take action right at home to help reduce flooding, improve water quality and support local ecosystems, all while creating beautiful landscapes. This program is a simple way to be part of Birmingham Green: Healthy Climate Plan in action.

Explore the details at bhamgov.org/sustainability to have your rain garden officially recognized.

04/09/2026

UPDATE: This event has been postponed until summer due to weather. Stay tuned for the rescheduled date!

There’s a giant stormwater system beneath Linden Park, and you’re invited to see how it works on Saturday, April 18 from noon to 3 p.m.! Join City of Birmingham engineering and public services staff, Jim Nash, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner and Friends of the Rouge in the park for hands-on activities, a bug hunt and interactive displays – plus hot dogs for the first 200 guests.

Come celebrate Earth Day with us and discover the underground infrastructure that helps protect the environment when it rains!