nature

Is Michigan a black squirrel hotspot? The experts say yes! On this episode, we look into why Michigan has such a big population of black squirrels—and why that population varies so much city to city.

A giant wooden "nature megaphone" built by local high school students is now open to the public. The megaphone next to the Belle Isle Nature Center amplifies the sound of nature when you're inside it.

Prairie fires were a natural part of the landscape before European settlement. Most prairies were eventually turned into farmland. Because they're vital habitat to pollinators and other wildlife, plus are beautiful in their own right, prairies are being restored. Occasionally, they need to be burned to survive.

The University of Michigan's Campus Plan 2050 includes a potential elevated train (automated transit system) connecting three of the Ann Arbor campuses. One potential route cuts through Nichols Arboretum.

Details on police breaking up the encampment at University of Michigan, a love connection via Lake Michigan, and a Michigan author's latest murder mystery.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public opinion on deer management with a new survey.

Blue-spotted salamanders and other amphibian species migrate annually to unique habitats called vernal pools. The Superior Watershed Partnership plans to use grant money from the DNR to build tunnels for the salamanders to use, to protect them during their migration.

On today's show, we remembered the victims of the tragic shooting at Oxford High School, and discussed the ongoing legal case against the shooter and his parents.

Birding is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it's not always an accessible or inclusive hobby. On today's pod, we talk about the effort to change that.

Photojournalist Steve Jessmore has turned an interest in bird photography into an award-winning spin on his career capturing raw moments.