When people come to DTE’s training and development center in Westland, it’s often one of their first stops as part of the DTE family. The campus serves as a training ground for new distribution operations and energy supply personnel and, for Althea Hale, a consultant at the center, and Tony Battle, a manager, it left a lot to be desired in the looks department.
The building dates back to the 1950s and had a previous life as a grade school that was expanded several times over the decades. But, between the age and the additions, it didn’t necessarily put the best foot forward for DTE.
“It wasn’t inviting,” Battle said. “It didn’t provide an atmosphere that engaged new apprentices that come into our organization.”
The center before the garden was installed.
That’s where Hale – a master gardener – decided to make a difference. Now, after years of work, the site has been certified as a conservation site by the Wildlife Habitat Council because of the lush pollinator garden installed at the center.
“We really wanted that site to represent DTE well in that community,” Hale said. “There is a residential area right across the street. People get caught by the train there and, while people are sitting, it’s nice that we have a landscape that they could look at to entertain themselves.”
Using her passion and expertise as a master gardener, Hale guided the installation of cone flowers, black-eyed Susans, hostas, hydrangeas and more to help butterflies, moths and bees thrive in the community.
The center after the garden was installed.
Because the garden isn’t just meant to beautify the site but to support wildlife, there was a process the team had to follow to ensure it received certification. They documented the changes at the center and followed the ISO 14001 guidelines, an international standard that helps businesses make environmental improvements.
The result is a garden that everyone from trainees to community members to local deer and ducks can enjoy. But the benefits reach even further than an improved environment.
“It engages our new hires who come in and shows them that DTE is making an investment in their future,” Battle said. “And personally, it’s been a pleasure to watch Althea be able to apply her skills as a master gardener and mix that personal passion with the work passion.”
For Hale, the proof of the improvement – and where DTE’s priorities lie – is clear.
“For me, the best part is having other employees say ‘What is that yellow flower out there?’ because they want to replicate some of what they see in their own garden,” she said. “It’s a contagious thing. I think it’s all a part of the mindset that we are all trying to improve everyday lives through a lot of different avenues.”