Adrian Site

About the Program
The Wacker Chemical Corporation’s Adrian Site is approximately 30 miles southwest of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the company manufactures silicone raw materials, fluids and emulsions. The site supports multiple species conservation and education projects on the property and throughout Lenawee County. The site has had a certified wildlife habitat since 1999, with new initiatives being developed over the years. Projects aim to increase local populations of targeted species and provide education opportunities for students and employees. The 260-acre site features a wetland, forest and riparian area along the River Raisin, as well as a technical center, distribution center and production areas.

Practices and Impacts

• Since mid-2005, the project has targeted the eastern bluebird while also benefiting other native bird species, such as black-capped chickadees and violet-green swallows.
• By installing, maintaining and replacing about 25 bird boxes, the project continues to witness eastern bluebirds and swallows using available structures, with over 40 bluebird fledglings in both 2022 and 2023. The project has observed a total of 1,437 eastern bluebird fledglings.
• Since early 2013, the project has targeted little brown bats, a species experiencing declines across the United States. By placing 10 roosting structures near wooded areas and high above the ground, the project provides shelter for this species; however, there has been limited evidence of individuals using the structures.
• In July 2023, sonar receivers found little brown bats present at a nearby river, and there are plans to relocate the roosts to that location.