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.

We are moving closer to the day when the defunct Peninsular Paper Dam will be removed from the Huron River. The plan has been in the works for some time, while plans continue to preserve an historic Ypsilanti building and create a public gathering space. Huron River Watershed Council executive director, Rebecca Esselman, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss progress and next steps on dam removal and the restoration of natural flow in that part of the river.

“Tree Town” is moving to take next steps to better protect the source of its nickname. Ann Arbor is working on an update to its Urban and Community Forest Management Plan to address climate change challenges and other issues. Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Planning Coordinator Tiffany Giacobazzi joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss what’s on the table and how the public can help make present and future determinations on Ann Arbor’s urban forest.

A Washtenaw County development is to become one of the nation’s first mixed-income, net-zero-energy communities. We’ll look at Veridian at County Farm in Ann Arbor as it prepares to begin construction and has entered pre-sales of its first units. THRIVE Collaborative founder Matt Grocoff joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss how years of planning are now moving from concept to reality in what, he hopes, will serve as the model for all future housing developments.

Soaring fuel and fertilizer prices, the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and climate-related issues are making farming a greater challenge. There are more than 1,000 farms in Washtenaw County and, for many, the future is uncertain. WEMU's David Fair discussed agricultural challenges and solutions with MSU assistant professor and extension economist Mathew Gammans.

Now that spring has sprung, there is temptation and desire to get out and begin yard work and gardening. Many experts prefer you wait to better protect bees and other pollinators. On "Issues of the Environment," Ann Arbor councilwoman Erica Briggs joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the city’s "No Mow May" resolution and its desired impacts and outcomes.

Back in the 1990's, the Border-to-Border Trail in Washtenaw County was still a concept. Fast forward to today, and more than 30 miles of trail have been completed, and more is on the way. Peter Sanderson is principal planner for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss how far we've come, what's going to be done this year, and where we're headed in the future.

The city of Ann Arbor has an ambitious environmental goal. It wants to utilize grant money to launch a plan to intends to decarbonize the Bryant neighborhood on the city's southeast side. Ann Arbor sustainability and innovations manager, Missy Stults, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss where the process stands and what it will take to become successful.

The threat of nuclear war is greater now than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis. We also live in the shadow of the Fermi 2 nuclear power plant in Monroe County. Should something go wrong there, it would take a huge toll on our environment, ecology, and, of course, our people. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Washtenaw County emergency planning coordinator, Benjamin Pinette, to find out just how prepared we are in case of a nuclear emergency.

Do you prefer books or reading your favorites on an e-reader? We’ll look at the ecological impacts of both choices and explore why other sustainable initiatives are more likely to positively impact the overall health of our environment. David Fair is joined by the director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan's School of Sustainability and Environment Greg Keoleian on this week's "Issues of the Environment."