Environment & Sustainability

Coverage of green innovations, and climate and environment issues and developments, especially those told by local voices and that offer solutions for community concerns.

Oak Park is reaching new heights with event hub construction

Oak Park officials recently broke ground on a community event hub. The new facility, part of a parks and recreation plan dubbed Elevate Oak Park, is slated to include a band shell, a farmers' market space, a commercial kitchen, and room for year-round events.

Latest in Environment & Sustainability
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. 

Erik and Israel Nordin of Detroit Design Center created the sculptures for Masons Corner.
More awards for Downtown Farmington as it turns its attention to the future

2025 is also the year where the general public has an opportunity to help shape the direction of downtown Farmington in the years to come.

Consumer's Energy Four Cities Metro Pipeline project will occur from 2026 to 2029.
Natural gas pipeline project to update aging system in four Metro-Detroit cities

Consumers Energy will invest $182 million to replace eight miles of outdated natural gas pipeline in four Metro Detroit cities from 2026 to 2029. The company claims this project will improve the safety and reliability of its natural gas system, but environmental advocacy groups argue that money and resources could be better invested in renewable, cleaner energy sources.

The Jackson House once provided shelter for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his allies throughout the tumultuous Selma-to-Montgomery marches of 1965.
Local history projects win grants in Dearborn, Mount Clemens, Rochester, and more

“The volume of applications demonstrates the necessity of this funding,” says Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan.

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.

Robyn and Melissa Childers, owners of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness.
LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Metro Detroit you should know about

In celebration of Pride Month, here are some businesses owned by folks in the LGBTQ+ community that you should check out.

The Clinton River at Budd Park.
Placemaking projects, caregivers, and youth sports latest to benefit from Detroit area endowment

“From transportation for caregivers and construction of an accessible nature trail, to coaching for girls field hockey and inclusive theater performances, these grants demonstrate the positive impact that can happen when donors, philanthropy, communities and nonprofits work together,” says Community Foundation President Nicole Sherard-Freeman.

Making connections at Dinan Park.
How local musicians help connect parks and people in downtown Farmington

“That keystone moment of creating Riley Park has led downtown Farmington down the direction of creating this network of other cool little public nodes, like Dinan Park and the Masonic park, and connecting them,” says John Bry, Program Coordinator at Main Street Oakland County.

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