This week on the Up North Lowdown ... a walk through the garden. Yes, it is the dead of winter, but we are going to hear a little history of the Botanic Garden and a little more about its past and future at the Historic Barns Park. We will also dive into the question of Michigan’s state bird. Is the robin cutting it for us anymore? Your thoughts … in the latest episode of the Up North Lowdown, from Interlochen Public Radio. Listen at iprnews.org or wherever you get your podcasts.Stories featured this episode:- IPR's 'State Bird CAWcus'- A few moments in Traverse City's Botanic Garden, despite the snow

There have been calls to improve or replace the Grand Traverse County Jail for years. This week, we go inside, hear about some problems and learn why the conversation around the jail has been stuck for so long.

For northern Michigan businesses that count on snow, last year stunk. Federal disaster loans were a short-term help for many, but what about warmer winters ahead? That's this week on the Up North Lowdown.Plus, the Lions roar, area music festivals face an uncertain future and we remember the arrest that sparked a change in fishing rights.

This week: News that a film made in northern Michigan will head to the Sundance Film Festival next month. Plus, an update on housing efforts in and around Petoskey.

Michigan is the Great Lakes state as you know. So naturally we have a lot of wetlands as well. They filter water, and mitigate flooding. But human activity, including large-scale farming, has greatly reduced them over the years. What might Congress do about that? Also, efforts here in northern Michigan to support first responders dealing with their own mental health. And a trip to an artist residency in Elberta. One of the stories in this episode references suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in crisis call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988First responders can also contact the Front Line Strong line: 1-833-34-STRONG or 1-833-347-8766.

This week, we're handing it over to our colleagues at "Points North," with this wonderful story about Kenny Pheasant, a teacher of Anishinaabemowin.

Three stories about finding space — to rehearse your show, to build a solar array, and to make military weapons. Also, our thanks to you. (We'll explain.)

A mallet. A pumpkin. A way to cut down on landfill waste? Also this week: Sleeping Bear Dunes calls a halt to a trail expansion and Benzie County builds a safety net.

This week: Figuring out the apples at Sleeping Bear Dunes, the power of sharing our stories with each other, and the more local part of the election.

This week: Michiganders head to the polls earlier than usual, the last throes of the campaign(s), Andrew Dost's new music project and the deeper meaning of Rocky Horror.