Quality of Life

Sign warns swimmers of pathogen pollution at a northern Michigan beach. Pathogen pollution in Michigan’s lakes and rivers – caused by human and animal waste draining into surface waters – is far more widespread than previously documented, according to new state data. The identification of rivers impaired by potentially harmful pathogens has more than doubled […]

With its hip film festival, music and culinary scene, Traverse City is attracting the kind of young creative class that other cities would kill for. But as it basks in its moment, some locals cite ‘festival fatigue.’ How much is too much for Up North tourism? (photo by Joel Williams)   On a cold night […]

The park’s designation by “Good Morning, America” as the most beautiful place in the nation led to tourist boom, with mixed results (photo by Andy McFarlane)   The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was honored by Good Morning America as the “Most beautiful place in America” in the fall of 2011. The results for nearby […]

click to enlarge When people think of getting around Michigan, it’s safe to say that bicycles are not the first things that come to mind. But bicycles, and specifically the urban bike-rental programs known as bike sharing, are starting to bubble into the conversation in cities across Michigan, from Detroit to Ann Arbor and Lansing […]

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the pinky finger of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is already a well-known destination for hiking, sunbathing and beholding the majestic vistas over Lake Michigan’s blue waters. It is also becoming a hot spot for bicyclists. This July, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which currently stretches five miles from the […]

Bike-share programs in a handful of Michigan cities each have their own rules, but most share a few common traits Bikes are available for rental by the hour, day or week. Bike-sharing participants generally get a discount by purchasing an annual membership, costing anywhere from $60 to $90. Members are issued a key tag to […]

Bike-share programs are becoming more popular in communities across the world. What would make a bike share right for your city or town? Consider these factors: An active bicycling community, coupled with bike lanes or paths – Cyclists are often the first ambassadors for bike sharing, and bicycling organizations frequently get involved in hosting “how […]

Rob St. Mary was already traveling light when he moved to Colorado in March. He sold many of his belongings, including his car, packed his cats and a U-Haul, and set out from Detroit to a job at Aspen Public Radio. Just a few months into his new life, he is even lighter, having shed […]