Conservation Efforts
Wetlands: Michigan International Speedway has nearly 200 acres of protected wetlands. We are currently researching mitigation, restoration, educational and enhancement programs. Local colleges and universities are interesting in using the wetlands as a hands-on research tool.
Soccer Fields: On Saturday, September 12, 2009, two new soccer fields at MIS were introduced to the community with the play of its first youth soccer game.
The two new fields, which were built on speedway property in Parking Lot 12, just off Brooklyn Highway, are valuable assets to the community. The MIS soccer fields are sized 50 yards by 80 yards for youths 12 and under; and 45 yards by 60 yards for youths 10 and under. Nets for each field were donated by Brooklyn’s American Legion Post 315.
Grading of Lot 12 to create the fields took place in 2008 and new grass was planted in spring 2009, making the soccer fields ready for use. Lot 12 is typically used for day parking during the speedway’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events in June and August.
Trails: With over 1400 acres of land, Michigan International Speedway is looking to incorporate existing community trials with new hiking, biking, and cross-county skiing trails on MIS property. The trails could potentially connect to Michigan DNR land surrounding the track. A limited amount of trails already exist on the property and are open to campers in the Graves Campground off of US Highway 12 on race weekends. These trails wind through a portion of the speedway’s nearly 200 acres of wetlands.
Racing for Wildlife
Further strengthening its commitment to preserving the environment and its natural resources, Michigan International Speedway began hosting the Racing for Wildlife 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series event in June 2008.
The three-year race entitlement is a joint venture with The Conservation Fund and the Ryan Newman Foundation, which formed Racing for Wildlife in 2007.
With support from MIS, Racing for Wildlife in 2007 launched an effort with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to restore Mill Lake Youth Camp. The historic camp is approximately 30 miles north of MIS in the 20,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area. When complete, the project will help preserve a part of Michigan’s great outdoors and educate children about the importance of taking care of our state’s land and waterways.
Click here to view the release about the MIS/Racing for Wildlife partnership announcement.
