Detroit and the Great Lakes

Great Lakes Now's coverage of the Motor City.

Great Lakes Now Featured Articles About Detroit

Sinking cities: Great Lakes cities not immune from under-recognized threat

New research says Chicago and Detroit are at risk of sinking from things like groundwater extraction. Researcher says officials need to be more proactive.

Buses vs. Trains: The Future of Public Transit in the Great Lakes Region

As cities invest in greener, more accessible transit, a key debate emerges: sleek light rail or cost-effective bus rapid transit? The answer may depend more on perception than performance.

Great Lakes Moment: Government downsizing, defunding and deregulating at what environmental cost?
- by John Hartig

Examining some of the recent federal environmental cuts in metro Detroit, which serves as a microcosm for the Great Lakes region.

How community gardens serve as ‘third places’ for Detroiters
- by Ethan Bakuli, Great Lakes Now

When not writing for Planet Detroit, Ethan Bakuli is probably getting his hands dirty. Not long ago, that was the furthest thing from his mind.

Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River common terns under threat
- by John Hartig

Known for their aerial acrobatics, common terns are designated as a threatened species in Michigan.

Southwest Detroit homes flooded, families displaced by water main rupture
- by Planet Detroit

A 54-inch water main rupture flooded streets and several hundred homes in Southwest Detroit, displacing families and causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

After water main break, officials say homes in Detroit’s Southwest will get repairs covered
- by Michigan Public

Residents of Detroit’s Southwest neighborhood are facing flooded streets, basements and possibly lengthy stays in temporary shelters after a 54-inch water transmission main broke.

How Ducks Unlimited Became Heroes of the Conservation Movement
- by James Proffitt, Great Lakes Now

Since 1937, Ducks Unlimited has led North America’s wetland conservation, driving one of history’s most impactful environmental conservation movements.

Regulators say Detroit SO2 pollution under control after years of exceeding federal standards
- by Planet Detroit

Following power plant closures and EPA intervention, Detroit and Downriver are seeing lower levels of SO2 pollution.

Great Lakes Moment: Connecting people to nature through The Great Lakes Way
- by John Hartig

Creating a necklace of greenways and water trails throughout southeast Michigan.

Great Lakes Moment: Sacred Grounds
- by John Hartig

Restoring habitats and supporting green infrastructure with houses of worship in Detroit.

Great Lakes Moment: Mink thriving along the Detroit River
- by John Hartig

Next time you are on the Detroit River, keep an eye peeled for a mink! This keystone species is now thriving along this once-polluted river.