Join host Rebekah Warren for a weekly conversation with people making a difference on environmental issues affecting Washtenaw County and the state of Michigan.
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.
7 Oct 2026
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.
23 Sept 2026
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.
21 Sept 2026
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.
21 Sept 2026
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.
21 Sept 2026
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.
21 Sept 2026
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.
21 Sept 2026
Washtenaw County restaurateurs shifting away from single-use plastics
A number of Ann Arbor businesses have started to phase out using single-use plastics. Not only has this lowered their operational costs, it's beneficial to many local environmental initiatives. Phillis Engelbert, owner/operator of Detroit Filling Station in Ann Arbor, is among these entrepreneurs leading the way in working towards zero waste. She talks more about her actions and how others can follow her example with Rebekah Warren.
21 Sept 2026
Monitoring cyanobacteria that's growing in the Huron River Watershed
Residents in the Middle Huron River Watershed are facing an escalating environmental challenge as warmer summers and severe storm events increasingly trigger harmful cyanobacteria blooms, which threaten recreational water use, local wildlife, and the health of our regional impoundments like Ford Lake. Rebekah Warren discussed the matter and the actions being taken to fight it with Ric Lawson, director of programs for the Huron River Watershed Council.
21 Sept 2026
Border-To-Border Trail's new 'Dexter Connection' expansion progressing
The expansion of Washtenaw County's Border-To-Border Trail continues, and the next piece of the puzzle is the "Dexter Connection." This stretch of the trail will connect hikers and bikers to downtown Dexter and is expected to be completed this fall. Roy Townsend serves as Project Manager for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. He spoke to Rebekah Warren about the expansion's current progress and how it may impact Washtenaw County's overall environment and infrastructure.
21 Sept 2026
Washtenaw County Health Department offers information and safety tips amidst recent cyclosporiasis outbreak
An outbreak in cyclosporiasis recently spread all over Michigan, and a large number of cases were identified here in Washtenaw County. Kristen Schweighoefer, Director of the Washtenaw County Health Department's environmental health division, joined Rebekah Warren to discuss the source of the outbreak and what precautions residents should take to prevent another.
21 Sept 2026
Research shows PFAS found in Dexter's waterways come from everyday products
For years, conversations about PFAS contamination have largely focused on industrial sites, manufacturing facilities, and major pollution events. But a recent study by the Multi Lake Water and Sewer Authority suggest that some PFAS entering our environment may be coming from a much more familiar source: everyday products used in our home. These findings raise important questions not only about water quality, but also about responsibility, infrastructure, and the growing challenge of addressing contamination when there isn't a single polluter to hold accountable. Joining us today is Daniel Brown, climate resilient strategist and emerging contaminant specialist with the Huron River Watershed Council.
21 Sept 2026
Celebrating National Park and Recreation Month alongside Washtenaw County's own bicentennial
Every July marks the arrival of National Park and Recreation Month, a nationwide initiative dedicated to highlighting the profound impact local parks and recreation systems have on making communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient. This year's commemoration comes as Washtenaw County celebrates its bicentennial, providing an opportunity to look beyond parks as simply places for recreation and to consider the many ways that contribute to environmental stewardship, public health, education, and community connection. Joining us today is Rhonda Bouma, Deputy Director of Operations for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.
21 Sept 2026
Zerowaste.org's Plastic Free July Challenge and other tips in reducing everyday plastic
Every day, the choices we make in our homes and communities connect to much bigger environmental stories. Today, we're exploring one of those connections through Plastic Free July, a global movement encouraging people to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. But what does that look like right here in Washtenaw County? And can local actions really make a difference in a problem that spans the globe? Our guest today is Lydia McMullen-Laird, co-founder of ZeroWaste.org and one of the leaders behind this year's Plastic Free July efforts in the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor area.
21 Sept 2026
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin continues to work on better PFAS protections
Today, we're looking at one of the most significant environmental challenges facing Michigan: PFAS contamination. Few environmental issues have affected Michigan communities more directly than these so-called forever chemicals, which have been found in our waterways, groundwater, and drinking water systems across the state. We're joined today by United States Senator Elissa Slotkin, who has been leading efforts in Washington to preserve federal PFAS protections and accelerate cleanup efforts at contaminated military sites, including those around Michigan.
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