Environment is More than Just Cars

Sept. 19 - As sunflowers bloom in Michigan, Ford is shining a light on sustainable landscaping.

Ford Motor Company maintains nearly 200 acres of sunflower fields, prairies and grow zones around its world headquarters, research and engineering campus in an effort to conserve natural resources, create wildlife habitat and lower grounds maintenance costs.

The company planted 100 acres of corn and sunflowers this year on several large fields near its world headquarters. By replacing what would otherwise be traditional turf grass, the company saves approximately 30 percent on the cost of labor, gas, and fertilizer, while creating an attractive habitat.

Planted in late summer, the crops provide food for birds and animals throughout the winter. Fox, wild turkeys and coyote have been spotted on Ford properties, several of which have been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council.

In addition to planting annual crops like sunflowers, Ford uses many native plants that are well-suited to the local soils and climate and therefore do not require significant use of fertilizer, pesticides or irrigation.