Dog wearing a beekeeping suit in a field

Meet Maple: Former K-9 now beekeeper  

By Clara Lincolnhol 

Meet former K-9 Maple. She made a big career switch earlier this year—from a human remains detection dog to a beekeeper at Michigan State University’s Pollinator Performance Center. The friendly brown-and-white dog, with a long tongue that hangs out of her mouth, dons her own beekeeping suit and uses her powerful nose to detect American foulbrood — a bacteria that left undisturbed, means certain death for an entire honeybee colony.

Longhorned beetle against blurred background

Michigan DNR wants you to look out for invasive Asian longhorned beetle 

By Rachel Lewis  

The Michigan Invasive Species Program is asking the public to be on the lookout for the invasive Asian longhorned beetle. The inch-and-a-half long black beetle with white spots and long antennae is known to attack at least 12 species of hardwood trees, including maples, elms, horse chestnuts, birches and willows. Although the beetle has not yet been found in Michigan, the state Department of Natural Resources said the earlier they are found, the easier they are to eradicate.

People stand along a fence, fishing at Spring Valley Trout Farm

How inland fish farmers cultivate a sustainable future for the Great Lakes 

By Donté Smith 

Despite being surrounded by the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, Michigan imports the vast majority of its seafood, between 65% and 90%, according to Michigan Sea Grant. As global aquaculture has grown to meet increasing demand for protein, a small but determined group of inland fish farmers in the Great Lakes region are building a more sustainable, local supply. Researchers say doing so could ease pressure on wild populations, create jobs in rural areas and help restore public trust in the food on their plates. But with high regulatory costs, limited consumer awareness and strong competition from imports, these farms face an uphill swim.

Outdoor Discovery Center staffer digs in the dirt in a field. She is next to a shovel and bucket.

Small city’s ‘community carbon fund’ promises hyper-local carbon reduction

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen

In 2023, community organizers from the outdoor Discovery Center, an outdoor education and conservation-focused nonprofit in Holland, Michigan looked for ways to further sustainability efforts in the west Michigan community. This led to a partnership with another local nonprofit to create the Carbon Community Fund, which accepts donations from residents to fund local conservation efforts.