As Michiganders, one of the things we’re most proud of is our state’s incredible natural beauty, and with Earth Day right around the corner, this is the perfect time to help keep it that way.

Luckily, volunteer cleanups are happening all over the state, and they’re open to anyone who wants to help.

If you’re curious about how you can help keep Michigan beautiful, The ‘Gander’s Chaunie Brusie brings us a roundup of cleanup opportunities across the state.

Plus: What should Michigan’s state dish be?

Residents near Cheboygan Dam told to prepare to evacuate due to rising water (WILX): Officials in Northern Michigan are closely monitoring rising water levels near the Cheboygan Dam, with residents warned they may need to evacuate if conditions worsen. A state of emergency has been declared, and the Michigan State Police Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division says crews are working around the clock at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex to manage flow levels.

U of M launches statewide gun death database (Michigan Advance): The University of Michigan has launched a near-real-time database to track firearm deaths across the state, providing faster, more detailed data than the CDC’s delayed system. The tool aims to help communities better target prevention efforts.

Stormy week ahead for Michigan (MLive): Heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, and unseasonably warm temperatures are raising flood risks across Michigan this week, with rivers and low-lying areas especially vulnerable. Severe storms are also possible Monday night and Tuesday.

Michigan is hosting several volunteer-led cleanup days near Earth Day. Here’s where to find them. (Unsplash)

By Chaunie Brusie

The State of Michigan celebrates Earth Day every year in April in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

This year’s Earth Day takes place on Apr. 22, 56 years after the inaugural designation in 1970. A day that started out as a movement for change at the policy level has also expanded into a day of practical movement.

All across the state, local towns and cities celebrate Earth Day by hosting annual clean-ups to pick up litter, clear out trash, and put in manual labor to beautify the areas we live in. These clean-up events are a great way to not only celebrate Earth Day but also to make an immediate difference in caring for the planet.

If you’re looking to get your hands dirty this Earth Day, here are 10 clean-up events happening across Michigan that would love for you to pitch in.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

You might’ve noticed fairly recently that we updated our newsletter with a snazzy new look, which includes a banner at the top featuring a white-tailed buck deer.

In case you weren’t aware, it’s Michigan’s state game mammal.

Along with the white-tailed deer, the state has all sorts of other symbols: The painted turtle is the state reptile, and the American robin is our state bird.

But they’re all nature related symbols. So it got me thinking, and this week I want you all to let me know:

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Missed the answers to last week’s question: “How are higher prices at the pump and other places affecting your life?” Find them in our Friday newsletter here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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