Author

Patrick Dunn

Patrick Dunn is an Ypsilanti-based freelance writer and the managing editor of Concentrate.

Patrick Dunn's Latest Articles

Artist Halima Cassells and Huron-Clinton Metroparks CEO Amy McMillan stand with Cassells' new art installation at Lake St. Clair Metropark.
Lake St. Clair Metropark unveils art installation highlighting lake sturgeon and recycling

A new art installation at Lake St. Clair Metropark is designed not only to provide a fun photo opportunity for park visitors, but also to promote recycling and highlight the importance of lake sturgeon.

Leah DuMouchel, director of programs and communications at the Michigan Association of Planners, and Vern Gustafsson, project director/planner at the Pontiac Housing Development Corporation, look over zoning maps.
Comprehensive Oakland County zoning map aims to support development and demystify regulations

A new project is aiming to demystify Oakland County zoning for developers, government officials, and residents by creating a single map that shows residential zoning designations for the entire county.

Heart of West Michigan United Way Chief Administrative Officer Becki Postma, Kent County Community Action Director Gustavo Perez, and Heart of West Michigan United Way Eviction Prevention Program Manager Alyssa Bryan.
Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force addresses unmet needs behind evictions

Evictions plummeted during the pandemic and soared again after federal protections ended. That led a coalition of Kent County organizations and individuals to form the Kent County Eviction Prevention Task Force.

Improvements are underway at Detroit's Intervale Roselawn Park, accompanying an adjacent new segment of the Joe Louis Greenway.
Joe Louis Greenway to open 2 new miles of trail and new trailhead this year

The city of Detroit is charging ahead with its vision for the 29-mile Joe Louis Greenway. With about two miles of additional trail segments opening this year, 8.4 miles of the planned greenway are now complete.

A prescribed burn at Kensington Metropark.
Where there’s smoke, there may be environmental renewal: How parks use fire to support nature

A burning field, forest, or prairie in your local park may be an alarming sight, but sometimes it's actually a sign of an intentional, controlled process with significant benefits for the environment. 

Supplemental Science student Madison Taylor with her exhibit on soil samples at a science fair at WAY Academy in Detroit.
Metroparks offer year-round hands-on science classes in 2 Detroit schools

Through the Supplemental Science program, Huron-Clinton Metroparks staff work with school staff to offer science lessons in schools, usually multiple times a week throughout the school year. 

Cam Underdown and Chris Powers are the co-founders of ReciproCity, which developed a new housing resources website called Shelter Oakland.
Real-time shelter bed openings and other housing resources offered on new Shelter Oakland website

A new website offers real-time information on the number of beds available at almost all Oakland County shelters, as well as a massive list of resources available to those experiencing housing insecurity in the county. 

The START Collaborative's first retreat in January 2024.
From tornado to ice storm, collaborative addresses unmet needs in Otsego County

Inspired by a string of recent disasters, the START Collaborative aims to address unmet needs in Otsego County through collaboration between nonprofits, schools, hospitals, government entities, and businesses.

Pharmacists handle cancer medications at the cancer drug repository at the Trinity Health Reichert Medical Center in Superior Township.
Ann Arbor nonprofit and Sault Tribe of Chippewa partner to redistribute unused cancer drugs for free

Last year the nonprofit YesRx received a grant to work with the tribe over a two-year period, expanding access to expensive drugs that would otherwise go to waste.

Labrea Robinson with her daughter Amarrah.
Oakland County residents give back to family, community, and more after experiencing homelessness

After finding housing, people who've experienced homelessness frequently seek to further stabilize their lives, better support their families, and give back to their communities. Here are a few of their stories.

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