Invasive Species

This winter in Washtenaw County has been notably colder and snowier than most of the past decade. It has created inconveniences and hardships. But there may be some benefits to all of the snow and cold. Snowier winters play an important ecological role beyond what we experience at the surface. WEMU's David Fair was joined by U-M Biological Station researcher, Dr. Olivia Vought to explore this winter’s environmental benefits and how it all works.

Invasive plants are not just a backyard nuisance—they’re one of the biggest drivers of long-term habitat loss in the Huron River Watershed. Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor have become a local model for tackling the problem through coordinated stewardship and public engagement. WEMU's David Fair found out what they’re doing with Natural Areas Specialist, Steven Parrish.

When the trees start changing colors, it’s a time of year where we create time to stop and take in the beauty of nature. It’s also a time where we can provide the care to the trees to ensure their health in the seasons to come. There are a number of diseases here and more creeping in that pose a threat to our trees. WEMU's David Fair discussed the challenges and what to do about it with Washtenaw County Conservation District community forester, Matt DeJonge.

Ypsilanti officials have been having a difficult time finding green solutions to removing invasive plants from their city parks. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

Between 1995 and 2023, the City of Ann Arbor’s Natural Area Preservation (NAP) division coordinated a continuous butterfly monitoring program using trained community science volunteers. Ludovico Behrendt is an environmental data specialist with NAP and conducted a retrospective analysis of this nearly 30-year dataset. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the findings on the health of butterflies in the area and what it says about the health of the local environment.

A trendy species of mushroom could be a new threat to Michigan’s forests. Colin Jackson has more.

Throughout the Huron River Watershed, there are areas plagued with invasive species. A group of environmentalists are looking for the best ways to replace them with native plants. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Michigan House of Representatives is meeting again this week after a few weeks off for spring break. Colin Jackson has more on what leadership says to expect.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer told a business group that she was caught by surprise last week to walk into with President Donald Trump to find she was in a televised press conference. Rick Pluta has more.

The City of Ann Arbor’s Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting "Love a Park Days" in November. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.