nature

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.

Fall has arrived, and the transition towards Michigan’s colder months is underway. Many property owners are already looking ahead and designing spring plans for the lawn. That would include Saline resident Edith Anderson. Edith goes beyond modern landscape design and is “Rebuilding Nature: Yard by Yard.” That’s the title of her recently published book. Edith joined WEMU's David Fair to share why more homeowners are trading sterile lawns for living landscapes that welcome back the birds, bees and butterflies.

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

The Ann Arbor City Council gets back to work tonight after the Labor Day holiday. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has a preview.

When strolling the sidewalks of Ann Arbor's old west side, you may have noticed large square decals inviting you to scan a QR code to learn more about the historic Allen Creek. That waterway now runs underground, but that wasn't always the case. WEMU's John Stockwell decided to dig a little deeper, to uncover the story of Allen Creek.

Community members in Lodi Township and local officials are citing environmental concerns about sewage treatment plants being proposed for the area. 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.

The Chelsea Senior Center has received a $1,350 grant from the Wildflower Association of Michigan to help build a native flower garden. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

The Ann Arbor School Board held a workshop Tuesday night to hear about dueling proposed plans to build a new Thurston Elementary School. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

There is something rejuvenating by looking out the window and seeing the first robin of the year. For those taking a closer look, the robins are telling an important environmental story. A recent study out of Eastern Michigan University has found that robins can accurately predict areas with contaminated soil. How? WEMU's David Fair talked with one of the lead researchers, Dorothy Zahor, about her findings and its implications.