Leo Hendrick Baekeland innocently invented plastic in 1907. The easily shaped, durable, and inexpensive material became a staple in homes and businesses, with thousands of beneficial uses. Other scientists would come along and build upon the invention, but few probably foresaw the global problems they were creating in their labs.

Michigan’s water and woods set the stage for an annual orchestral performance that begins when March weather warms and continues through late summer. The Michigan toads and frogs symphony features each species' mating song, from high-pitched trills and whistles to low-pitched moos. Common sounds include the high-pitched chorus of spring peepers, the long musical trill of the American toad, the banjo-pluck of Green Frogs, and the deep, loud bass of American Bullfrogs. These we

Weeds are an important element in the overall eco system of any lake. They provide food for some members of the lake environment and they also provide shelter from predators. But on the flip side, many lake problems start with a weed that grows quietly below the surface. For Oakland County inland lake property owners, understanding what’s growing in the water and how to treat or manage it can be the difference between a healthy lake and one slowly headed toward long-term dama

There are several hundred species of crayfish in North America, but one invasive species of crayfish is getting an outsized amount of attention from water biologists and agencies around Michigan and Oakland County. That’s because officials are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of red swamp crayfish, which cause havoc on local ecosystems.

Every time you search the internet for information, from “how to make Detroit-style pizza” to “tell me about Michigan turtles,” or stream your favorite show or even send an email, those requests are routed to the nearest, fastest-available data center through a global network that prioritizes low latency (speed) and proximity to you, drawing from many locations, such as Ohio, Oregon, or even Ireland, rather than one single place. As the world continues to rely on the World Wi

Inland lake property owners may not think about the impact of dissolved oxygen on their local environment often, but it plays a critical role in the health of their lake and the fish that live in it.

Home to nearly 1.3 million people, Oakland County encompasses 62 cities, villages and townships, spanning 907 square miles. According to the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner office, there are 1,400 lakes intertwined in those square miles with scores of lakefront homes. Homes on water and those that are not considered water-improved total about 567,000 living units.

Each foot of lakefront in Michigan holds both personal and monetary value. Whether rugged and natural, untouched, or carefully maintained for water recreation, when it’s time to protect that footage with a bit of love, care and nourishment, there are options. Lake water activities, such as boating and recreational use, can erode a shoreline, washing away sand and sediment. However, lakefront owners have options to replace the lost sand on their land and even add material to t