The October edition of News to Us is here with an environmental voter guide for Southeast Michigan as well as the latest articles covering exciting new water wins, including the Lower Grand River state water trail designation and updates to a federal precipitation data tool. Explore articles below on Huron River microplastics research, native plant gardens in Ypsilanti, and new initiatives in Southeast Michigan to restore wetlands.
Planet Detroit’s environmental voter guide to the 2024 Michigan general election
The November election will have consequences for Michigan’s land, air, and water. Planet Detroit has compiled a voter guide covering key races and ballot proposals across the state with a focus on Southeast Michigan. The Planet Detroit voter guide notes the environment, energy, and water positions and platform among key candidates and provides valuable information to inform voters at the ballot this fall. For information on how you can get involved in influencing change in the Huron River watershed, check out our Change Makers program.
Stalking a pollutant: Researchers comb river for secrets of Great Lakes microplastics
Researchers from Wayne State University are investigating microplastics in the Huron River to understand how these tiny pollutants move through freshwater ecosystems and affect human health. Microplastics, which come from various plastic products, are widespread across globe and can carry harmful chemicals. The WSU team is sampling air, water, sediment, algae, bugs, and fish from the Huron River to study the presence and impact of microplastics. Their research aims to uncover how these particles enter rivers, travel through the food web, and what chemicals they release. Thanks to a new grant from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, HRWC will be partnering with WSU to conduct microplastics sampling in future years.
Update to U.S. precipitation frequency standards now accounts for climate trends
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has updated the U.S. precipitation frequency standards to include climate data, recognizing the increasing risk of extreme precipitation and flooding. This update will result in the development of Atlas 15, a tool that will provide more accurate precipitation frequency estimates by considering future climate conditions. The new nationwide standards will aid in planning and infrastructure design and help communities become more resilient to climate impacts. To learn more about Atlas 15, read a recent blog by HRWC’s Dan Brown.
Michigan DNR designates Lower Grand River a water trail
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has designated the Lower Grand River from Portland to Grand Haven as a state water trail. This designation, achieved through the efforts of the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, makes the Grand River the largest contiguous water trail in Michigan, spanning 252 miles. The new state water trail status will enhance recreational opportunities along the Grand and provide funding for improved access and recreational amenities. The Lower Grand River’s 96-mile trail includes 35 public access points for paddlers and boaters. And don’t forget to check out paddling opportunities along to 120-mile Huron River Water Trail!
Residents seek to restore native plant garden at former lake in Ypsi’s Prospect Park
Since 2009, Prospect Park has been home to one of Ypsilanti’s largest native plant gardens. The garden exists at the former site of Luna Lake, a small pond that used to be home to tadpoles and other small aquatic life. Now, Ypsilanti residents collaborate to maintain the garden and teach others about the power of native plants. In early October, residents gathered for a work day to weed, mulch, and remove invasive species from the garden. Learn more information about native plants on our Take Action page.
What Metro Detroiters should know about wetlands
Michigan has lost about two-thirds of its original wetlands over the past two centuries due to development and agriculture. These wetlands, which once covered much of the state, provided natural flood protection, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. Efforts are underway across Michigan to restore and rebuild wetlands to mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and support ecosystem health. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments’ Growing our Resilience, Equity, and Economy with Nature (GREEN) Initiative aims to protect and restore 500,000 acres of wetlands to regain these key ecosystem services. Check out our new Huron River Watershed Through Time digital StoryMap to learn about how the Huron River watershed and its wetland have changed over time.