Federal forecasters expect above-average temperatures to continue through the fall. That could mean higher fire danger and risk of heat-related illnesses.
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
Swim season is coming to Michigan. Swimmer's itch may be going away
A new study reveals an innovative method that researchers say is the first to truly combat the problem: Move the ducks.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Probe of wolf shot in south Michigan, far from habitat, focuses on trap wounds
Wounds may have been days or weeks old, documents indicate. That has some wondering if the animal was relocated from the Upper Peninsula before it was shot by a hunter who mistook it for a coyote.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Southern Michigan dead wolf mystery deepens; records suggest it was trapped
Records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act reveal the animal had a wound consistent with trapping, law enforcement officer initially resistant to confiscating the animal.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As cleanup efforts target Michigan lakes, debate follows about who benefits
A recent study in the Journal of Great Lakes Research found that residents of lower socioeconomic communities in Muskegon feared the cleaned-up shoreline would be taken over by private interests.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan fishers are warned about harmful algae ahead of trout season
Michigan’s trout season starts Saturday, and the DNR is warning fishers about didymo, a type of algae that can be harmful to trout and other fish. New Zealand mudsnails, another invasive species, can also be harmful to trout.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Bird flu hits turkey flock in Newaygo County as virus spreads in Michigan
The bird flu continues to spread as wild birds migrate across the country. Farmers are warned to pay close attention to their flocks as bird flu season heightens.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan gets $290M boost for water upgrades as Flint crisis anniversary nears
Money from a bond voters authorized in 2002 is a big one-time boost for Michigan’s crumbling water infrastructure, but state officials say more is needed.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
DTE natural gas project in northern Michigan begins amid climate concerns
Utility and local officials in Wexford County are celebrating the project as an alternative to burning wood and propane for heat, but environmental groups are criticizing the plan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s morel mushroom season: Where to find them and how to identify them
Hunting season for the unique fungi begins mid-April and lasts through early June.