La Niña is causing heavier and more frequent snowfall across the North, leading to colder and stormier conditions.
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
Trump tries to block EV charger money — again. Michigan impact ‘clear as mud’
Michigan has spent $2.2 million out of $110 million it was promised for EV chargers under a program the Trump administration is now attempting to prevent more spending through.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Great Lakes continuing to lose ice coverage, experts warn
Warmer temperatures and reduced ice cover on the Great Lakes are making Michigan winters messier, leading to more intense lake-effect snow and disruptions to winter activities like ice fishing.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
For Michiganders, goose poop a growing problem
Nearly extinct in the mid-20th century due to over-hunting, a whopping 280,000 Canada geese now live in Michigan, according to the Department of Natural Resources. That means a lot of goose poop.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Gone a century, Arctic grayling return soon to Michigan. Can they survive?
Logging, overfishing and competition from non-native trout wiped out Michigan’s Arctic grayling population nearly a century ago. But the fish will soon swim again in tributaries of the Boardman, Manistee and Maple rivers.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan state park camping fees to increase starting Aug. 1
Beginning Aug. 1, Michigan’s state parks will increase fees for modern and semi-modern campsites. The price hike is the first in three years and is designed to keep up with rising operational costs, including utilities and supplies.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s EV transition in limbo as Trump halts climate spending
Within hours of taking office, President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to ‘immediately pause’ spending tied to key climate laws. Michigan was in line to receive tens of millions for EV chargers alone.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan wants to insulate 15,000 homes but needs hundreds of contractors
Flush with federal cash, Michigan officials plan to upgrade 15,000 homes with insulation, airtight windows and high-efficiency furnaces. But first, officials need to recruit hundreds of contractors to do the work.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What furor over drab Gaylord land says about Michigan’s energy transition
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.
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.