Tree of Heaven, Spotted Lanternfly, and Biology Camp | Brother Nature
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The tree of heaven is already a giant problem across Michigan, and it may be drawing another invasive pest to its bark: the spotted lanternfly. We explore both and their looming threat on Brother Nature this week.

Invasive Buckthorn and the secret weapon to fight it | Brother Nature
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Buckthorn is among the invasive species that has taken the state of Michigan by storm. It covers nature centers, backyards, and more, and fighting it requires years of work. However, one Michigan land bank has found an efficient solution. Also on Brother Nature, National Trails and River Day in Canton Township. 

Your Guide to Gardening with Native Plants | Brother Nature
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Native plants are having a moment and there is no better time to explore their benefits and beauty than right now. On Brother Nature, we take a look at a New Boston prairie, the plant options at Michiganense Natives, and a starter program in Oakland County. 

Pheasants in Detroit and Muskies in Lake Macatawa | Brother Nature
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Meet the pheasants of Detroit, which will be the focus of the upcoming Flock Party. Also on Brother Nature this week, an acoustic telemetry project measuring the movements of muskies, as well as a new partnership between Oakland County Parks and Bloomfield Hills schools. 

Michigan Orchard Frost Control, Cycling, and Bird Migration | Brother Nature
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Predicting the last frost is tedious business with a lot on the line for Michigan farmers. At Spicer Orchards, they deploy a variety of methods to fight freezing temperatures and prevent their apple blossoms from dying from the cold. Also on Brother Nature, the Michigan League of Bicyclists, as well as bird migration on Whitefish Point. 

Hummingbirds and Baby Season at Wolcott Mills Metropark | Brother Nature
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Hummingbirds are starting to appear around Michigan after making their long migration across the continent.  And baby season has arrived at the Wolcott Mills Metropark in Ray Township. That means adorable sheep, goats, calves, and chicks to see this spring. 

Hunting rodents with Ferndale's rat patrol

Have a problem with rodents of unusual size? You're not alone. And in Ferndale, a humane solution has evolved to deal with the city's rat problem.

Michigan Fishing, Arbor Day, and Boots Around the World | Brother Nature
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Why is world-class fishing in Michigan? How do you jig? And what does burbot taste like? The Great Lakes offer up the very best angling for walleye, smallmouth bass, and perch. Also on Brother Nature, celebrating Arbor Day, raccoon baby season, and another segment of Boots! Not Shoes. 

Up North in Oakwoods, Sod Science, and Composting | Brother Nature
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Ever wanted to do the Woodcock Walk? Or kayak down one of Michigan's biggest rivers? Wildlife and recreation is abundant at Oakwoods Metropark. Also this week, the science of sod and a pilot compost program launches in Southfield. 

Bees, Rain Gardens, and Rouge River paddling | Brother Nature
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From bee festivals to Oakland County's rain gardens, and the Friends of the Rouge, there's plenty to look forward to this summer as the temperatures get warmer and the rains arrive. 

Inside Detroit's Old-Growth Forest | Brother Nature
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Less than 1% of the original old growth forests in the eastern U.S. are still standing following centuries of development across the country. But there are some that remain, if you know where to look. One spot where they're located is right in Detroit at Palmer Park. Also on Brother Nature this week, how to age a tree.

Quagga Mussels, Grosse Ile Conservancy, and the Up North blizzard | Brother Nature
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Quagga Mussels are some of the most damaging invasive species in the Great Lakes. Terrorizing fisheries, damaging infrastructure, and even enveloping our shipwrecks, the mussel can be found in every major water body. Also on Brother Nature, a deep dive into the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy's work on the island. 

Tornadoes, Oakland County's new park, and coyotes | Brother Nature
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Ever notice that tornadoes are touching down more in Michigan? Your imagination is not lying to you. The chaotic weather in spring and autumn is to blame with more arriving every year. FOX 2's Derek Kevra breaks down the science of tornadoes. Also on Brother Nature, Oakland County's new park Clinton River Oaks, as well as the updating management of coyotes in the state. 

Monitoring mudpuppies on Belle Isle and trail cameras in Wayne County | Brother Nature
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While Belle Isle has much to offer throughout the island and the year, one of the best places to see what the natural gem has available is at the Nature Center. And just down the shoreline is an ongoing science experiment monitoring mudpuppies along Belle Isle's southern coastline. Finally, Wayne County has been actively posting some of the visitors to its trail camera.

Great Lakes Shipwrecks, meteor showers, and bird calls | Brother Nature
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The Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival is in town and there will be plenty of speakers showcasing the latest research and discoveries under the surface of the lakes. This comes on the heels of the latest discovery: the Lac La Belle, found in Lake Michigan. Also on Brother Nature, 2026 meteor showers to look out for and why some birds don't migrate for the winter. 

Muskrats are a pest to people and a solution to Michigan's invasive plant problem in wetlands

The muskrat doesn't get a lot of respect from people. But these pesky mammals are good for at least one thing: they "eat basically everything," a researcher said. And that has big implications for the Great Lakes most vital habitats.

Lake St. Clair Metropark ice fishing | Brother Nature
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There's no shortage of opportunities at the Huron Clinton Metroparks. And that includes during the coldest conditions in the most exposed environments. At Lake St. Clair Metropark, it was premier ice fishing that was on display. 

Invasive plants menace Michigan wetlands | Brother Nature
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Phragmites is a common sight in Michigan - but that doesn't mean it's a good thing. The invasive plant has conquered native wetlands and forced out other plants, reducing biodiversity and threatening the local ecology. And it's not the only invasive plant causing problems. Fortunately, there is a solution: the muskrat.