In the battle against invasive species, the common muskrat may be an unsung hero. A new study done in the UP by scientists from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Loyola University and the University of Connecticut finds that muskrats are an effective way to control invasive cattails in wetlands.
Rural Michigan
Posted inOutdoors Life
Northern Lights have been dancing in Michigan. Will the show continue?
The northern lights have been visible in Michigan since Sunday and may return this week in the northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Forecasters say best viewing is after 10 p.m., with conditions tracked through NOAA and aurora apps.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Time running out for Great Lakes whitefish. Can ponds become their Noah’s Ark?
On the brink of collapse in Lakes Michigan and Huron, whitefish need a miracle. Now, some want to relocate fish en masse to inland waters to preserve dying bloodlines.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Expand spearfishing in Michigan? Anglers want more varieties, fishing sites
Spearfishers want the Natural Resources Commission to continue allowing them to fish in more areas and to catch more species.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan farmer suicide help may be endangered by state funding snub
Michigan farmers commit suicide at more than twice the rate of other occupations. Dueling budgets in the Legislature include no funding for intervention or help.
Posted inTalent & Education
Money woes imperil Traverse City’s bid to boost reading scores with free books
Northwest Michigan is betting that providing preschoolers with books can boost plummeting reading scores. Early signs are encouraging, but funding uncertainties linger.
Posted inMichigan Government
In Baldwin, ICE detention center spurs anger — and hope — in immigration war
As the Trump administration expands immigration detention on an unprecedented scale, communities are grappling with the consequences – questioning the morality, expressing concerns about shifting local identities and fighting back.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Quiz: What Michigan Dreaming Bucket List items have you done?
Bridge asked readers to help us create the ultimate Michigan bucket list — now take our quiz to see how many adventures you’ve completed.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan farmers battle climate change in quest for perfect corn
Climate change is fueling conditions across several states that make watching the corn grow a nail-biter for farmers.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Off-trail ORVs destroy Michigan ecosystems and the DNR can’t keep up
State trails leaders said the money they have to fix the woods barely scratches the surface of the damage caused by off-trail ORVs.