Issues of the Environment

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Join host Rebekah Warren for a weekly conversation with people making a difference on environmental issues affecting Washtenaw County and the state of Michigan.

  1. 1d ago

    Raisin Valley Land Trust co-founder reflects on transferring assets to Legacy Land Conservancy

    Based out of Adrian, the Raisin Valley Land Trust was dedicated to preserving natural habitats in Washtenaw, Lenawee and Jackson counties. This past January, the land trust was dissolved and had its assets transferred to the Legacy Land Conservancy, which guaranteed the protection of 600 acres of land. Raisin Valley Land Trust co-founder Sybil Kolon looked back on her conservation work and shared her hopes for the future with Rebekah Warren.

    Raisin Valley Land Trust co-founder reflects on transferring assets to Legacy Land Conservancy

  2. Oct 14

    Introducing Ann Arbor's new Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan

    With numerous recent bouts of severe weather, managing stormwater is more critical than ever. The city of Ann Arbor will soon release its new Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, which will bring more eco-friendly infrastructure to the city. Rebekah Warren discussed the plan with Ann Arbor Water Quality Manager Jennifer Lawson.

    Introducing Ann Arbor's new Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan

  3. Oct 7

    How Washtenaw County is preparing for extreme weather before it hits

    In response to numerous severe weather events over the years, the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office introduced a countywide Hazard Mitigation Plan, which would allow municipalities to secure necessary funding for disaster relief while also advancing local carbon neutrality goals. Resiliency Office Director Beth Gibbons joined Rebekah Warren to discuss the current state of the plan and its impact on the environment.

    How Washtenaw County is preparing for extreme weather before it hits

  4. Sep 23

    Recent appearance of spotted lanternfly in Washtenaw County under close watch

    The spotted lanternfly is considered an invasive species in Washtenaw County, due to the fact that it feeds on trees, leaving serious damage in its wake. Right now, the county is taking action to protect local forests. Rebekah Warren shared more on these efforts with Matt DeJonge, Community Forester for the Washtenaw County Conservation District.

    Recent appearance of spotted lanternfly in Washtenaw County under close watch

  5. Sep 21

    Washtenaw County expands its public rain garden network, prepares to celebrate Ypsi Fall River Day

    Washtenaw County's rain garden system has filtered millions of gallons of stormwater runoff every year. Now, the program is expanding further into the county. Catie Wytychak from the Washtenaw County Water Resources Office spoke to Rebekah Warren about the expansion and Ypsilanti's upcoming Fall River Day.

    Washtenaw County expands its public rain garden network, prepares to celebrate Ypsi Fall River Day

  6. Sep 21

    A peek into the 2026 A2ZERO Green Fair and updates on Ann Arbor's work to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030

    Ann Arbor has set a bold goal for carbon neutrality by 2030, and the work is already underway, from renewable energy and electric vehicles to smarter growth and energy efficiency. Rebekah Warren talked to Ann Arbor’s Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults, about the progress and the upcoming A2ZERO Green Fair, which takes on Friday, September 18.

    A peek into the 2026 A2ZERO Green Fair and updates on Ann Arbor's work to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030

  7. Sep 21

    Trinity Health Ann Arbor introduces new program to help patients and staff heal through nature

    Trinity Health Ann Arbor is launching a new program designed to show that in-patient healing can go beyond hospital walls. Its "Hospital Without Walls" initiative fundamentally redefines modern healthcare by physically integrating medical wellness with the surrounding natural ecosystem. Rebekah Warren discussed this innovative and environmentally friendly plan with Lacey Sapkiewicz, Senior Vice President of Operations at Trinity Health Ann Arbor and Livingston.

    Trinity Health Ann Arbor introduces new program to help patients and staff heal through nature

  8. Sep 21

    U-M climate scientist gives safety tips during times of intensifying wildfires

    The mid-July Canadian wildfires released intensive amounts of smoke, resulting in days of hazardous air quality in Washtenaw County and all across Southeast Michigan. Studies have shown that climate change remains a major factor in these extreme conditions. Dr. Stuart Batterman, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Health Sciences and Global Public Health at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health, joined Rebekah Warren to discuss these studies in detail and what future precautions should be taken.

    U-M climate scientist gives safety tips during times of intensifying wildfires
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Join host Rebekah Warren for a weekly conversation with people making a difference on environmental issues affecting Washtenaw County and the state of Michigan.

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