The water near Monroe has already begun to turn green with cyanobacteria, a product of farm runoff and other pollution that overloads Lake Erie with nutrients.
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
A tsunami-like wave on Lake Michigan? What to know about a ‘meteotsunami’
The National Weather Service confirmed a minor ‘meteotsunami’ hit beaches near Ludington and Holland after severe weather swept the region early Tuesday morning.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In urban 'heat islands' like Detroit, staying cool means getting creative
Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Milwaukee, Windsor and Toronto, though close to the Great Lakes, are all urban ‘heat islands.’ Experts say these cities have unique opportunities to create more green spaces to cool things down.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Invasive spotted lanternfly confirmed in Michigan — second time since 2022
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has detected a population of spotted lanternflies in Monroe County. The invasive insects excrete a sticky liquid that can grow a ‘sooty mold’ deadly to plants.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Black flies are swarming in northern Michigan and the U.P.
Black flies are tiny insects that are commonly found in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula near bodies of water. While male black flies don’t bite, the females do, which can cause a painful, itchy rash.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Fireflies resurge in Michigan. This year's show is ‘best it’s going to be’
While firefly numbers decline across the nation, Michigan is experiencing a rare uptick in the glowing bugs. Here is how to increase the odds of seeing one.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan medical students fight to make climate change part of curriculum
Doctors need to understand how climate change plays a role in health, so Michigan medical students are pushing for climate health education in their programs.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
The Great Lakes are warming ahead of the start of summer
The Great Lakes are warming up and this week’s heat wave may help that effort. Still, Michigan residents should be cautious of the water conditions before heading out to one of the lakes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Data centers create few jobs. Michigan wants to give them big tax breaks
Michigan is in a race with other states to lure companies that host cloud storage. Foes say a 2015 deal that promised to bring 1,000 jobs but created a fraction of that should be a cautionary tale.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judges return Line 5 case to Michigan court, hand Dana Nessel win
A three-judge Court of Appeals panel rules that Enbridge missed a key deadline to move the case to federal court. It’s the latest twist in a lawsuit that has dragged on since 2019.