Report for America

The first English word for “lawn” dates back to the early 1500s, described as an “open space among trees.” Lawns today are a far cry from that description, but they’ve come to dominate our physical — and cultural — landscapes. Now concerns over environmental impacts are propelling yet another redefinition.

The group Save Cornwall is nearing its fundraising goal to preserve a coveted dam in northern Michigan, with the help of a quarter-million state grant.

Cheboygan students recently released their class pet — a juvenile lake sturgeon — into the Black River. WCMU's Teresa Homsi led a small team of student reporters from the middle school to cover the event.

Researchers still don't know much about didymo or "rock snot," a microscopic algae that can bloom into thick, slimy mats on rivers.

The state is asking anglers to report if they catch trout with tags in the Saginaw Bay region.

The project could make the river more appealing to arctic grayling — a fish species that disappeared from the state around 90 years ago.

It's no secret that honey bees are busy-bodies. They're transported all across the country to pollinate various crops, and now they're returning to Michigan for the summer.

Wolf and moose populations are stabilizing on the only national park in Michigan.

Spaniola said it's been a whirlwind after the Environmental Protection Agency implemented federal drinking water standards for PFAS and then listed two of the chemicals as "hazardous substances."

Devastating droughts, wildfires, floods and hurricanes are symptoms of climate change we're already seeing. These dramatic events, as well as the slow changes to our environment, are accompanied with severe emotional turmoil.