environment
A presenter speaks at a SEMCOG meeting in front of a blue wall with the SEMCOG logo, while attendees listen in the foreground

SEMCOG Launches Southeast Michigan Healthy Climate Plan Website

This website provides a single source for task force meeting updates, data resources, input opportunities, funding programs, and other details on the project.
Katherine GranthamNov. 27 2023
environment
Autumn landscape with a river winding through dense forest filled with vibrant orange, yellow, and green trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Earth Day 2022: Building Sustainability in Southeast Michigan

Residents plan to gather on Earth Day to participate in park cleanups, plant trees and gardens, take classes, and walk, bike, and paddle across our region.
Katherine GranthamApr. 11 2022
environment
Aerial view of a waterfront district with a river running through a marina, boats docked along both sides, nearby industrial and commercial buildings, and a large raised railroad bridge structure near the water.

Southeast Michigan Awarded Five Coastal Management Grants

Coastal communities are working toward the preservation and fortification of assets such as sea walls, coastal roads and highways, parks and recreation spaces.
Katherine GranthamFeb. 14 2022
education
A shallow river flows through a natural area bordered by green grass, shrubs, and leafless trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Our Water’s History: Part Two

The Southeast Michigan Water Quality Partners series recognizes the power of partnerships in creating healthy, fresh, and flowing water resources.
Katherine GranthamJun. 23 2021
environment
Underwater view with sunlight filtering through green water, showing a swimmer’s body extending forward. Large white text reads “KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN, ONLY RAIN DOWN THE STORM DRAIN.” A logo in the bottom left shows “onewater” with a water‑drop graphic and the website “mionewater.com.”

Our Water’s History: Part 1

Environment and Infrastructure Planner Katherine Grantham looks at the history of water quality in our region and where we are headed.
Katherine GranthamJun. 11 2021
environment
A recycling facility interior showing a large green and white waste collection truck parked beside a tall pile of mixed recyclables, including cardboard, cans, and plastic, under an industrial metal roof with overhead lighting.

Creating a Circular Economy for Recycling in the Great Lakes Region

SEMCOG announces its partnership with Circular Great Lakes, a regional initiative to keep plastic materials out of the waste stream and the Great Lakes.
Katherine GranthamApr. 21 2021
environment
Man holding a reed outdoors in winter.

Invasive Species in Southeast Michigan

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an important time for local communities and residents to learn how to identify and manage invasive species.
Katherine GranthamFeb. 23 2021
data
An elevated wooden boardwalk winds through a large marsh filled with tall grasses and shallow water, creating a zig‑zag path across the wetland. Beyond the marsh, open grassy areas and clusters of trees stretch toward a distant shoreline and a calm body of water under an overcast sky. The scene captures a natural landscape designed for visitors to observe the wetland environment.

Explore Lake St. Clair restoration through SEMCOG’s latest story map

SEMCOG’s latest restoration tool uses ArcGIS StoryMaps to tell the story of Lake St. Clair, with a detailed map of 27 completed habitat restoration projects.
Katherine GranthamAug. 25 2020
environment
A front yard filled with tall, densely planted native vegetation stands in front of a house with a yellow roof and stone siding. The garden includes flowering plants, leafy green shrubs, and a mulched area near the sidewalk, with a small sign posted at the front indicating the space is a designated native plant or pollinator garden. Trees and additional landscaping surround the home, and the scene is brightly lit under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Rain Garden 101: Tips and Tricks for your First Rain Garden

Looking for some lawn improvements this summer? Why not install a rain garden?!
Katherine GranthamAug. 13 2020
environment
Heavy traffic fills multiple lanes on a highway while vehicles merge from an on‑ramp, with grassy medians and trees alongside

Understanding Air Quality in Southeast Michigan

Improving the region's air quality is a coordinated effort, which requires integrated planning between public and private agencies.
Katherine GranthamJun. 3 2020