Nobody thought much of 420 acres in Gaylord until a proposal to put solar panels on it. Now, it’s become hallowed ground — and points to the difficulty of meeting Michigan’s climate goals.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. You can find all of the collaborative’s stories here.
Shockwave
The Great Lakes region is in the midst of a seismic energy shakeup, from skyrocketing data center demand and a nuclear energy boom, to expanding renewables and electrification. In 2026, the Great Lakes News Collaborative will explore how shifting supply and demand affect the region and its waters. Read the series here.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Climate change, erratic weather taking toll on Michigan cherry industry
The erratic weather adding to the troubles facing Michigan’s cherry growers is impacting farmers nationwide.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As bitter cold grips Michigan, winter festivals eye cautious return in 2025
Canceled in recent years due to a lack of snow, winter events like the North American Vasa Nordic ski and bicycle races and black sturgeon fishing season are set to return.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Study: Climate change means fewer freezing winter days in Michigan
Michigan now sees nine fewer days of sub-freezing temperatures each winter because of warming caused by burning fossil fuels, according to a new study. It’s on track to get worse.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gaylord solar lease plan sparks broad battle over green energy in Michigan
Controversy over a proposal to lease state land near Gaylord for a solar array has spiraled into a battle over Michigan’s role in the green energy transition. Some lawmakers want to halt all solar development on public lands; critics accuse them of hypocrisy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Report: Michigan trashes $500M+ worth of materials in landfills each year
The market value of material disposed of in Michigan is between $500 million and $676 million, according to a report by the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Amid outcry, solar farm owner says it no longer wants Michigan forest to expand
Michigan lawmakers are upset over a state plan to lease 420 acres near Gaylord for a nearby solar farm. Now, the company involved says it no longer wants the land.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
MSU is studying lamprey sex. Can birth control save Great Lakes from invaders?
The race is on at Michigan State University to understand bedroom habits of the sea lamprey before they eviscerate Great Lakes fish populations.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
A Great Lakes ‘Pompeii’? Lake Huron’s depths hold secrets of human history
Ten years ago, scientists discovered ancient hunting camps beneath the lake. Now, DNA samples from a submerged peat bog could produce more revelations about the prehistoric Great Lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan awards more than $5 million in grants to expand recycling efforts
The state recycling rate is about 23% now, compared to a national rate of 32%. The state grants support projects in communities throughout Michigan.