Ann Arbor’s Buhr Park could become home to a new "pocket forest” in 2024. What is a pocket forest? We weren't sure either, so we went right to the source to find out more. Barbara Lucas is a volunteer for the project. She joined WEMU's David Fair to explain what it is, why it is so ecologically valuable and why this is likely just the start of a much bigger local environmental movement.

Governor Whitmer has signed measures into law to require all children be tested for lead exposure. Additionally, a new law requires installation of lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers. It is progress, but there is still a lot of work to be done. WEMU's David Fair discusses its impacts with lead policy expert Mary Sue Schottenfels.

We’re about to enter a new year, and Michigan and Washtenaw County are looking to grow environmental sector jobs. In November, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law the Clean Energy and Jobs Act. Supporters say it puts Michigan on a path for quicker buildout of renewable energy, like wind and solar. And that could mean significant job growth. Washtenaw County Commissioner Yousef Rabhi is a proponent of such measures and advocated for such legislation when serving as a state representative. He joined WEMU's David Fair to take a look at what growth we might see in Washtenaw County in 2024.

‘Tis the season! Family, friends, gift-giving and good food. It also means an inordinate amount of waste is generated. There are ways to enjoy all of our favorite holiday traditions while minimizing our environmental impact. WEMU's David Fair gained some insight on best practices from zerowaste.org co-founder, Lydia McMullen-Laird.

The United Auto Workers strike against the Detroit Three ended with the union claiming significant gains over past contracts. Among those that supported the union through the strike was the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center. In addition to gains for workers, it says the contracts are important for our future environmental health. WEMU's David Fair took a look ahead and practical impacts of the deals with the Ecology Center’s Climate and Energy Program Director, Charles Griffith.

Deer populations in Michigan are already overpopulated in some areas. Managing the herds and the damage they can cause is difficult. As some in Ann Arbor will attest, a large deer can have a dramatic impact on the health of the overall ecology of the environment and on the pocketbook. WEMU's David Fair talked with Michigan Department of Natural Resources game management specialist, Chad Stewart about the present and future of deer management.

They say, “It takes a village.” Usually, it references the process of raising a child, but it also applies when talking about protecting and stewarding a watershed. Keeping the waters in Washtenaw County clean and safe is quite an undertaking, and it takes a variety of community organizations and volunteers to be effective. WEMU's David Fair is joined by Washtenaw County Water Resources Commission Evan Pratt to discuss the Michigan Clean Water Corps and others that contribute to improving the health and safety of our local waters.

Without thinking about it too much, we tend to accumulate a good amount of toxic chemicals in homes—cleaning products, batteries, gas and oil...all sorts of things. If improperly thrown away, these are all materials that can dramatically harm the environment, wildlife and human beings. That’s why there is an expanding home toxics disposal program in Washtenaw County. Learn all about it when WEMU's David Fair speaks to Washtenaw County Public Works Manager, Theo Eggermont.

Bicycling culture in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County is growing. As such, there is an increased chance of car versus bike crashes in the area. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society member Craig Stephann about overcoming safety hurdles as non-motorized transportation is key to sustainability efforts.

The repercussions of PFAS contamination continue to grow. Not only has it impacted fishing and recreation on the Huron River, it's affecting farmers and agriculture. Jason Grostic is owner of Grostic Cattle Company in Livingston County. His operations have been shut down because his cows tested positive for PFAS. As such, he’s gone nearly two years without a source of income and is now suing the source of the contamination, Wixom-based Tribar Manufacturing. He's also pushing state lawmakers to pass polluter-pay legislation that may prevent such occurrences in the future. Grostic shared his emotional story with WEMU's David Fair.