By Akia Thrower
A recent study uncovers the changes within historical tree biodiversity hotspots, which has implications for new conservation efforts in forested areas of concern.
Cities & Suburbs
Invasives, oak wilt threaten Skyline High School natural areas, adjacent neighborhoods
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By Domonic Marroni
In Ann Arbor, Michigan, Skyline High School’s natural areas are home to several species of invasive plants causing widespread destruction of surrounding trees. These species pose potential fire hazards and are dangerous to public health. Action is needed, say several environmental experts, to avert future disasters and to preserve the natural areas for future students.
Climate
Study finds climate warming directly affects the makeup of plant communities
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By Anna Barnes
In Michigan, sugar maple populations are rising and eastern redbud trees are making their way north, while coniferous trees, like the black spruce, continue to decline. One suspected cause: climate warming.
Land
Michigan restricts buckthorn, other plants as landscapers cry foul
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By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development unanimously voted to add six invasive plant species to the state’s prohibited and restricted species list.
Land
Agencies warn residents of invasive pest and disease risk in firewood
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By Anna Barnes
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Natural Resources are warning residents against transporting untreated firewood.
Land
Study: Mulch, shade most effective methods of supporting Christmas tree survival
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By Owen McCarthy
A new study finds more natural methods of bolstering Christmas tree survival are more effective than chemical treatments.
Land
Funding cuts hamper conservation groups’ invasive species efforts
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Michigan reduced funding for invasive species projects by $1.2 million. Conservation organizations like the regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are rethinking their funding priorities for 2026 and beyond.
Agriculture
Shifting farm economy means changes for rural communities
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By Lillian Williams
The shrinking number of farms in Michigan – down by about 1,300 between 2023 and 2024 – and the trend of existing farms to expand to survive is changing the culture of rural communities.
Land
Fight climate change from your garden with ‘birdscaping’
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By Ada Tussing
If you’ve noticed fewer birds in the sky recently, they haven’t all flown south for the winter. The North American bird population has dropped nearly 30% in the last 50 years. Mariette Nowak’s book “Birdscaping for Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region” offers a solution: birdscaping.
Cities & Suburbs
Data center concerns lead to push for a one-year moratorium on projects
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By Karlee VanAntwerp
Critics of the proliferation of data centers are calling for a one-year moratorium on the approval of new projects.
Energy
Solar projects bring larger economic gains to smaller communities, study shows
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By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
A recent study examines how solar projects could be planned in ways that benefit rural communities without significantly increasing electricity costs.