Flint is the most notable example. But we might soon find out about many more. Aside from a few infamous cases—like Flint, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.—public officials across the United States have continually downplayed the pervasiveness of lead contamination in water. But if preliminary evidence holds up, a new Michigan rule for testing lead will […]
Posted inGuides
The mysterious origin of Detroit’s Jesuit pear tree
Efforts to hybridize the Jesuit pear species serve as a testament to broader goals of botanical conservation, including biological diversity and cultural heritage.
Posted inCommunity
Detroiters Do Science: What we found (so far) in our urban neighborhoods
Since the Detroiters Do Science project began in May, citizen scientists across Metro Detroit have recorded nearly 2500 observations (and counting!) through the iNaturalist app as part of our Nature in Your Neighborhood project. That’s 27 observers and 313 identifiers, who have come up with 990 species so far. Participants have shared the wide range […]
Posted inGuides
Ask Planet Detroit: What’s up with multi-family recycling in Detroit?
Dear Planet Detroit, I am a Detroit citizen living in the Palmer Park historic apartment neighborhood. Why doesn’t the city provide recycling bins and access to recycling just as the single family homes and other areas of Detroit? -Tired of seeing the waste and consumption. Dear Tired, Recycling services in Detroit have been primarily focused […]
Posted inGuides
Ask Planet Detroit: How do we regulate air quality in Detroit?
Dear Planet Detroit, There’s a lot of air pollution in my neighborhood. How is air pollution regulated and how can I get involved in fighting for cleaner air? Sincerely, Coughing Dear Coughing, As many traveled outside for cook-outs, fireworks, and sunbathing on July 4th, it wasn’t just the smell of barbeque that filled Metro Detroit’s […]
Posted inAccountability
Water shutoff protections extended by Michigan governor
By Associated Press LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Protections to prevent water shutoffs during the coronavirus pandemic are being extended to the end of the year under an order signed Wednesday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Since March, 2,477 Michiganders have had their water restored through a grant to help utilities reconnect consumers. Last week, Whitmer signed […]
Posted inAccountability
Heatwave plus COVID-19 equal a strain on city resources
In light of the 90-plus degree temperatures and high humidity, the city of Detroit announced Tuesday that it would open the Farwell, Patton, Crowell, Adams Butzel and Kemeny recreation centers to provide cooling from noon until 8 p.m. During normal times, the city operates cooling centers at 15 community and recreation centers and 21 libraries […]
Posted inCommunity
Highland Park City Council unanimously approves COVID-19 ‘Just Recovery Task Force’
Highland Park City Council voted unanimously Monday to establish a COVID-19 Just Recovery Task Force. “This task force is about the community coming together to get through this crisis, but also to look forward,” said City Council President of Highland Park Carlton Clyburn in a press release. The task force will be a joint effort […]
Posted inCommunity
Clinton River named state-designated state water trail
by Lauren Karmo Canoers and kayakers across metro Detroit will be able to enjoy the Clinton River as a newly recognized state water trail. With three launch sites in Mt. Clemens and Sterling Heights, 72 of the 81.5 mile-long river has been deemed the ninth state water trail by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources […]
Posted inAccountability
Being Black in Detroit’s outdoors: One woman’s story
Tamika Jaja loves the outdoors. She spends as much time as she can in forests, swamps, and creeks, volunteering to net birds with the Huron Clinton Metroparks or monitor frogs and toads and sample for benthic invertebrates with the Friends of the Rouge. She often brings her son with her during these endeavors. She likes […]