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Washtenaw County is chock-full of non-native, invasive, plant species. In many cases, they pose a threat to native species and the health of the habitat that supports our wildlife and pollinators. There are also human implications. WEMU's David Fair discussed the progress being made toward local habitat restoration and expanding efforts to reintroduce native plant species with Doug Reith from the Washtenaw County Conservation District.

Significant investments are being made to enhance the Ypsilanti area's ability to capture stormwater and add acreage to nature areas that house pollinator prairie gardens. There are seven different projects that are funded over the next two years with grant money. Harry Sheehan is the Chief Deputy Water Resources Commissioner in Washtenaw County and in charge of seeing these projects completed. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the positive impacts these enhancements will make for the environment, and the area’s quality of life.

Embracing Our Differences plants the seeds of diversity, equity, and inclusion in billboard-sized art installations sprinkled throughout four parks in Washtenaw County. Join Deb Polich on this edition of "creative:impact," and meet organizers Nancy Margolis and Lynne Settles to hear more about this exciting project.

There is a long and storied tradition of philanthropy in the Black community. It is a tradition that is alive and expanding. Because Black philanthropy is underrecognized, an exhibit and educational opportunity will soon appear in Washtenaw County. It's called, "Giving Back: The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited." WEMU's David Fair takes a look at how that is playing out in Southeast Michigan and Washtenaw County with Colin Mays, co-chair of the Soul of Philanthropy Michigan, and Janet Haynes, chair of the African American Endowment Fund in Washtenaw County.

The Rutherford Pool in Ypsilanti is truly a community pool. It has become more accessible and has now partnered with Washtenaw County to help teach people of all ages to swim. WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale learned all about it in this conversation with Rutherford Pool program director, Cathy Thorburn.

There is a value in mentorship and the wisdom of our elders. Unfortunately, not every family has access to such relationships and it can have adverse educational impacts. That’s the reason the Washtenaw County Foster Grandparent Program exists. WEMU's David Fair met with the director of the program, Sandy Bowers, and foster grandparent Annie Young. They discussed the positive differences created for both children and the foster volunteers.

In 2024, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels will celebrate 50 years of service to the community. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate, but it comes with the understanding that there is much more work that lies ahead. Did you know the number of seniors living in poverty in Washtenaw County will double by the year 2040? In the meantime, government funding and access to caregivers continues to decline. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels marketing and development manager Danni Murphy about the plans for the upcoming holidays and for 2024 and beyond.

Bicycling culture in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County is growing. As such, there is an increased chance of car versus bike crashes in the area. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society member Craig Stephann about overcoming safety hurdles as non-motorized transportation is key to sustainability efforts.

With Thanksgiving behind us, the December holidays approach, and there will be all sorts of special screenings and holiday favorites returning to the big screens at the Michigan Theater and State Theatre in Ann Arbor. WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins have all the movie news you need to know on this week's "Cinema Chat"!

Not many 19-year-olds decide to start their own business, but with the advent of online sales and the stay-at-home work ethos fostered during the pandemic, more young people are choosing this avenue. That includes Ypsilanti’s Christian Knox. Christian is now 22, and his online vintage clothing business, Thrift Activist, continues to grow and expand. He explains why he has chosen to be own boss with Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale on this week's “On the Ground Ypsi.”