Features

Longform Mount Magna at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Holly.

The DNR turns 100 this year. Here's how it's shaped Southeast Michigan's natural areas.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has created, managed, or otherwise supported numerous natural areas in Southeast Michigan over the past century. Here's a look back at the agency's role in the region, and where it may be headed next.

Feature Story Inside the Flower Therapy exhibition at the Norwest Gallery of Art.

New Norwest Gallery of Art exhibit encourages healing through floral art

“Detroit has suffered so much loss from gun violence to this terrible pandemic that we felt the need for a space of healing and understanding,” Hamilton said in a statement. “Flowers helped us through our grief and this Flower Therapy exhibition is just that, THERAPY. An opportunity for encouragement to all who attend.”

Feature Story (Photo: David Lewinski)

‘It’s all about relationships’: Meet the artist behind the new sculptures in downtown Farmington

“Public art is great because some people are intimidated walking into museums and art galleries,” says artist Ken Thompson. “This way, all you have to do is just walk out your front door.”

Feature Story Rasha Demashkieh presents a check to the winner of the 100 Arab American Women Who Care event in 2019.

Q&A: Our conversation with Rasha Demashkieh of the Center for Arab American Philanthropy

“It’s amazing what a group of people, if they come together because they have a common goal, can do,” Rasha Demashkieh says. “Our purpose, our job, is to connect those donors.”

Development News A sunny scene from Macomb Orcharde Trail.

New connector will link Macomb Orchard Trail with Stony Creek Metropark

A new connector path will soon make it easier to travel between two popular Southeast Michigan trails.

Development News Not Sorry Goods will open on Friday, July 30.

Not Sorry Goods leaves Rust Belt to open flagship store in downtown Ferndale

“Securing a storefront in downtown Ferndale is a dream come true,” says co-founder Dy-Min Johnson. “We’ve spent years cultivating relationships in the area with our pop-up at Rust Belt and we’re ready to serve the community even further with our permanent location.”

Feature Story Photo by David Palmer, Interim Executive Director, Hamtramck Parks Conservancy

5 public parks you can reach by public transit

Summer is still here, and what better way to enjoy your leisure time than to check out these 5 local parks using our public transit system?

Development News The grassroots Macomb County Pride Festival is coming to Mt. Clemens.

Inaugural Macomb County Pride Festival to launch in downtown Mt. Clemens this October

“After COVID-19 changed our plans to launch this new event in 2020, we are especially looking forward to celebrating Pride with our community in October,” Macomb County Pride founding president Phil Gilchrist says.

Development News GFFF

Founders Festival returns to the streets of downtown Farmington with concerts, dog shows, and more

Many of the festival’s time-honored traditions return this year, this after last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development News “Improving neighborhood parks and constructing new recreational amenities will only benefit our residents’ and businesses’ property values,” says Mayor Michael C. Taylor.

Property values in Sterling Heights are ranking among the best in Michigan

“Improving neighborhood parks and constructing new recreational amenities will only benefit our residents’ and businesses’ property values,” says Mayor Michael C. Taylor.

Feature Story SURJ members collaborate with BLMDetroit help get out the vote.

This Metro Detroit group is working to bring white people into the struggle against racismSURJ Metro Detroit's approach is a mix of education, outreach, and solidarity

Rather than focus just on self-education, SURJ focuses on organizing people and mobilizing them towards collective action for social and economic justice; and it takes take its lead from organizations led by Black people and other people of color.   

Feature Story A billboard in Detroit advertises Automation Workz's cybersecurity bootcamp.

Meet the tech experts behind Detroit’s emerging cybersecurity industry

Last year, Michiganders lost over $83 million to cybercriminals. These Detroit tech entrepreneurs are working to thwart future attacks with democratized, equitable security solutions.

Partner Content isabella cook

Gold Award Girl Scout recipient inspires others with her community service project

In true Girl Scout form, Isabella Cook saw a problem, took action to address it, and helped make the world a better place along the way. When Isabella Cook attended court she felt completely comfortable.  After all, it was her grandmother sitting on the bench in Oakland County’s Family Court and Isabella was there as part of “Bring Your Child to Work Day.”  But Isabella couldn’t help but notice how anxious and afraid the other children in court felt and her grandmother told her that testifying in court was often frightening and difficult for kids.    

Development News Ibalance

Yoga studio and juice bar opens in downtown Northville

“We have already received a warm welcome to the town – it’s been an instant feeling of family,” says owner Alexis Sobeski.

Development News In this Branson, Mo., Days Inn apartment conversion, renamed Plato’s Cave, rents range from $495 for a studio to $625 for a one-bedroom unit. Photo: Plato’s Cave

Adaptive re-use project will convert Sterling Heights hotel into residential housing

The adaptive re-use of the property is expected to bring 155 studio apartments and 53 one-bedroom units to Sterling Heights.

Development News Kickstart-1

Creative workshops and arts events planned in downtown Farmington

A downtown Farmington gallery, retail store, and arts booster has a balance of virtual and in-person events this month.

Longform Moudou Baqui of Decriminalize Nature Detroit.

Opening minds: How psychedelic medicine is catching on in Southeast Michigan

As public perception of substances like psilocybin and ketamine changes, advocates hope to see safe, well-educated, and legal use of psychedelics continue to grow in our area.

Feature Story A kayaker heads out on the water with a rented Simple Adventures kayak.

Kayaking in Macomb County is more popular than ever. Here's why.

Once considered an eyesore, the Clinton River is now a paddling destination. And its not the only place that kayak and canoe enthusiasts are getting excited about in Macomb County. 

Longform A hiker at Independence Oaks in Clarkston.

Trail etiquette: 8 rules to remember while exploring Michigan's great outdoors

What should park-goers be mindful of as they lace up their shoes to hit the trails? We asked parks professionals for tips on how to respect natural areas as well as the people (and animals!) we share them with. 

Development News A view of the Huron Valley Trail

Huron Valley Trail receives $250,000 maintenance grant, plans new connection

An Oakland County trail is getting some much needed maintenance money as it looks to link up with another nearby non-motorized route.

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.