Half a decade ago, peregrine falcons were eradicated from Michigan because of DDT, a toxic pesticide. Recovery efforts, including the DNR’s banding program, helped these birds of prey make one of the most successful comebacks in history.
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.
Water’s True Cost
As the nation prepares to pour hundreds of billions of federal dollars into rescuing water systems, the Great Lakes News Collaborative investigates the true cost of water in Michigan. Read the series.
Ready or Not
The Great Lakes region is frequently touted as one of the most climate-resilient places in the U.S., in part because of its enviable water resources. But climate change also threatens our water. The Great Lakes News Collaborative explores what it will take to prepare. Read the series.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan’s electric energy future could be wasting away in a junk drawer
Valuable critical materials are sitting in junk drawers of Michigan residents: old, unwanted electronics. Michigan is working with electronics manufacturers and researchers to recirculate these products back into the state’s economy.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Wolves are hitting campgrounds on Isle Royale in search of food, park warns
Do bears have competition for being renowned picnic-crashers in Michigan? Wolves on Lake Superior’s Isle Royale are getting into campground trash, so park rangers up food and trash regulations.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Sault Tribe restocks U.P. waterways with walleye, whitefish
Fish are important to the culture and heritage of Michigan’s Native Americans. One tribe is investing to restore species that have declined in recent decades.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
To tackle climate change, Michigan enlists a ‘corps’ of volunteers
To prepare local communities for climate change, Michigan and other states are borrowing from a long American tradition of civilian service programs. Meet the inaugural members of the MI Healthy Climate Corps.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
How to protect pets during Michigan’s blue-green algae season
Before heading to Michigan beaches this summer, check for blue-green algae that poses a risk to human and animal health.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan HOAs can’t ban solar panels under newly passed bill
Some homeowners associations ban residents from installing solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and other green upgrades. A new bill would change that.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Feds spend big on urban tree-planting in Michigan. Will residents get a say?
Michigan is getting $33 million to spend on urban forestry, which can help mitigate heat waves fueled by climate change. The question is whether government can do a better job engaging with communities in the process.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Experts predict moderate Lake Erie toxic algae bloom
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.
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.