environment

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.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has released her MI Healthy Climate Plan. It is considered by many to be the boldest climate action proposal in state history. On this month’s edition of WEMU’s "1st Friday Focus on the Environment," we look at key components of the plan and its potential impact on under-served communities and the overall health of our air, land, and water. David Fair is joined by Derrell Slaughter of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak.

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.

The U.S. and NATO allies continue to commit more money and weapons to Ukraine as it defends itself against the Russian invasion. All the while, Vladmir Putin is increasing rhetoric around the potential use of nuclear weapons. How far down the line will this go? That’s part of the conversation WEMU's David Fair had with 12th District Congressional Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn).

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.

Ann Arbor residents kick off a four-day Earth Day celebration today. As WEMU’s Taylor Pinson reports, the four-day event will take place at the former downtown Library Lot.

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.