More than six million people rely on the Detroit River for drinking water. The research group Healthy Urban Waters at Wayne State University is trying to make this natural resource healthier by testing for and monitoring key contaminants of emerging concern. Watch this brief video to learn more about their efforts to protect this vital...
Climate change affects us all. The reliable patterns of the past are shifting, sometimes rapidly. Residents and businesses in the Great Lakes region will face new and increasing challenges from invasive species, lower crop yields, and harmful algal blooms. Metro Detroit will experience more flooding and unprecedented heat waves that test our infrastructure. The United...
October 18 marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. It is a significant U.S. law regulating pollutants and supporting water quality standards to ensure the nation’s waterways are healthy. Before this law, communities witnessed the rapid degradation of our rivers and lakes. An example in southeast Michigan is the Rouge River catching fire....
On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, from 11 am – 12 pm ET, the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation hosted a Twitter chat using #GreatLakes and #InflationReductionAct. The chat posed seven questions about the recently signed federal Inflation Reduction Act and how investments in climate change will impact the Great Lakes. Here’s a...
The Erb Family Foundation is excited to announce that our chair, John Erb, is the 2022 recipient of the Michigan Executive of the Year Award from the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business. He will be honored at the Ilitch School’s 42nd annual Recognition and Awards Program on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 at...
This month marks the one-year anniversary of the launch of the #GreatLakes500 ranking of influencers on Twitter. Published every Tuesday, the listing has come to be regarded as a go-to source for making connections, building relationships, and spreading awareness about the Great Lakes. So, what have we learned from its success in year one, and...
Today we announced $7.3 million in new and ongoing grants during our September grant cycle. See the complete grants list here. As part of our continuing participation in Detroit Arts Support, we made three-year general operating grants totaling $5.2 million to 61 Detroit area and Erb family legacy arts and cultural institutions. The Foundation’s increased...
Melissa Damaschke, vice president of programs, was presented the Environmental Achievement Award in September 2022 from her alma mater, Northland College. Melissa graduated from Northland College in 2003 with a degree in Environmental Studies. She was a member of the Environmental Council and served as a senator, trustee, and president of the Northland College Student...
SBN Detroit is a network of innovative leaders and businesses working to accelerate sustainable business practices in Detroit. By connecting small businesses with global entities and local resources, the group aims to promote a flourishing society, a healthy environment, and an inclusive economy.