The Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute has selected six faculty-led research projects, including one involving SNRE Landscape Architecture Professor Bob Grese, to join with Focus: HOPE, a nationally recognized civil and human rights organization, on a Detroit community development initiative. The U-M-funded projects will incorporate social, economic and environmental strategies to help develop a comprehensive plan for advancing the HOPE Village Initiative, a 100-block area immediately surrounding theFocus: HOPE campus straddling the cities of Detroit and Highland Park. The initiative seeks to integrate Focus: HOPE's strengths in workforce development, early childhood education and community development.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens is celebrating its 50th anniversary and SNRE Landscape Architecture Professor Bob Grese is playing a central role in the promoting an exhibit and display commemorating the event. Grese is also director of the gardens and the Nichols Arboretum. "One of the statements Regent Fred Matthaei Sr. made when he donated the land was that he wanted the botanical gardens to be second to none in the world, so we want the public to see what progress we've made toward that goal," Grese said.