nature conservancy

Over the summer, the Huron River Watershed Council conducted an extensive survey of freshwater mussels in the Huron River to determine potential impacts when the Peninsular Paper Dam is removed. It found that removing the Pen Dam could release sediment, potentially smothering downstream mussel populations. Once the dam is removed, though, the river will return to a more natural state, benefiting mussel species over time. WEMU's David Fair looked at the research and its implications with Huron River Watershed Council Ecologist Dr. Paul Steen.

Ann Arbor voters are being asked to extend the city’s Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage for a period of 20 years. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Residents near Thurston Elementary School are frustrated with Ann Arbor Public Schools over what they say is a lack of transparency regarding the school’s planned expansion. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more in this report.

Webster Township has secured a 38-acre conservation easement along the south side of Trail Ridge. Ana Longoria reports.

There are efforts within city government to develop Water Street along the Huron River. Heather Wysor is an herbalist founder of the online shop Heathers on Earth. It focuses on foraged, natural medicines. She would like to "re-wild" the downtown property. WEMU's Josh Hakala and Concentrate Media's Sarah Rigg speak with Wysor about her proposal to preserve the area's natural state.

Flooding, pollution, and overall water quality have dominated the news lately. While municipal water systems cover the majority of state residents, 35%…