Detroit Zoo Trails Earns SITES Gold Green Rating
The $20 million, seven-acre Discovery Trails keeps an estimated 6 million gallons of stormwater out of the regional sewer system.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Detroit Zoological Society's Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails earned SITES Gold certification from Green Business Certification Inc. in July 2026. The seven-acre, $20 million family experience at the Detroit Zoo is the Zoological Society's first voluntary third-party sustainability certification.
Why it matters
For Detroit-area families, the certification shows how a large public attraction can manage rainwater and construction waste on a documented, third-party-verified standard. The project's stormwater system keeps an estimated 6 million gallons out of the regional combined sewer, which feeds the Red Run subwatershed and, downstream, the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.
The project scored 115 points with no credits denied and met all 18 mandatory SITES prerequisites. Its stormwater system and waste diversion figures are measured against the site's pre-construction conditions.
The players
Detroit Zoological Society
The nonprofit that operates the Detroit Zoo and its Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, its first voluntary third-party sustainability certification.
Green Business Certification Inc.
The organization that administers the SITES green-development rating system and awarded the Gold certification.
The details
The stormwater system combines about 0.9 acres of bioretention and rain gardens, about 4,100 square feet of permeable clay pavers, and extended detention to hold rainwater on site. During habitat restoration, the Zoo removed black locust trees and milled them into Treetop Crossing and the Canopy Trail, keeping much of the material out of the waste stream. Together these measures explain how the project achieved its certified score across the SITES categories.
Timeline
July 2026: Discovery Trails earned SITES Gold certification.
November 4, 2026: Article published about the Discovery Trails certification.
The Home Front
Detroit's combined sewer system carries stormwater and wastewater together, so rainwater kept on site reduces the load on shared regional infrastructure. Third-party rating systems such as SITES give homeowners and developers a documented benchmark for comparing stormwater and waste-diversion claims.
If you manage a yard or rain system, consider how rain gardens and permeable pavers can slow runoff and reduce strain on the sewer connection serving your property. Any work involving drainage connections or grading should be handled by a licensed professional.
The takeaway
Rainwater kept on site is one of the most practical sustainability steps a property can take. Ask any contractor or landscaper about bioretention or permeable paving options before your next yard or drainage project.
Further reading
For more on animal-focused attractions and habitat design, explore our Wildlife coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Blooloop.
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