https://www.wcmu.org/tags/plants Plants en-US Copyright Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-15/msu-invasive-species-expert-teaches-volunteers-to-overcome-plant-blindness When Caroline Miller walks into the woods, students follow, some carrying tools and many carrying a curiosity for nature that they didn’t have before they met her. She leads volunteer efforts to rid the MSU campus of invasive plants and said she wants to teach plant ecology and work against “plant blindness,” the tendency of people to overlook nature in their environments. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-03-15/msu-invasive-species-expert-teaches-volunteers-to-overcome-plant-blindness Anna Ironside, Capital News Service https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-17/how-seeds-from-the-past-are-saving-a-unique-flower-of-the-great-lakes In 1994, U.S. Geological Service researchers planted 4,200 seeds of the Pitcher’s thistle, a rare wildflower that grows only on the sandy dunes of Lakes Michigan, Superior and Huron. Now the restored populations are thriving and spreading, an unexpected success story. Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2026-02-17/how-seeds-from-the-past-are-saving-a-unique-flower-of-the-great-lakes Kyrmyzy Turebayeva, Capital News Service https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-10-01/muskrats-may-be-key-to-solving-invasive-aquatic-plant-problems-study-finds A new study in the journal Freshwater Science sheds light on these oft-overlooked rodents and their ecosystem-altering behaviors – and how humans might replicate their actions to combat invasive aquatic plants. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-10-01/muskrats-may-be-key-to-solving-invasive-aquatic-plant-problems-study-finds Julia Belden https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-08-21/environmental-groups-protest-doe-decision-to-force-aging-coal-burning-power-plant-to-stay-open The Department of Energy extended its 90-day order another 90 days to require Consumers Energy to keep an aging coal-burning power plant running, despite state's assessment it's not needed. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:19:33 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-08-21/environmental-groups-protest-doe-decision-to-force-aging-coal-burning-power-plant-to-stay-open Tracy Samilton https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-08-15/study-electricity-costs-would-rise-more-than-3-billion-if-doe-keeps-more-coal-plants-running A report by Grid Strategies says electric rates would rise at least $3 billion if the Trump administration orders U.S. coal burning plants slated for retirement to remain running. Fri, 15 Aug 2025 22:53:27 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-08-15/study-electricity-costs-would-rise-more-than-3-billion-if-doe-keeps-more-coal-plants-running Tracy Samilton https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-08-05/michigan-joins-federal-program-that-collects-native-flora-and-champions-restoration Seeds of Success, a federal program that conserves and restores native flora, has come to Michigan. Mon, 05 Aug 2024 22:27:46 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2024-08-05/michigan-joins-federal-program-that-collects-native-flora-and-champions-restoration Elinor Epperson https://www.wcmu.org/show/from-the-ground-up/2023-12-02/cactus-care The Christmas cactus is a seasonal favorite. But there are a few steps to follow before you'll see those beautiful blossoms. Jeff Wadle, from J & K’s Four Seasons Floral and Greenhouse in Shepherd, Michigan, shares some tips! Sat, 02 Dec 2023 14:40:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/show/from-the-ground-up/2023-12-02/cactus-care Judy Wagley https://www.wcmu.org/show/from-the-ground-up/2023-07-01/the-birds-and-the-bees Elly Maxwell is an entomologist at Dow Gardens in Midland, she is all abuzz about “pollinators.”What is a pollinator? We may have learned about “the birds and the bees” in school, but Elly concisely explains it again. Sat, 01 Jul 2023 13:40:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/show/from-the-ground-up/2023-07-01/the-birds-and-the-bees Judy Wagley https://www.wcmu.org/show/from-the-ground-up/2023-06-24/we-say-tomatoes There is nothing better than biting into a ripe, juicy tomato just picked from your garden!Bevin Cohen from Small House Farm in Sanford, Michigan offers plenty of practical information on how to grow the best tomatoes. Sat, 24 Jun 2023 13:40:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/show/from-the-ground-up/2023-06-24/we-say-tomatoes Judy Wagley https://www.wcmu.org/show/from-the-ground-up/2023-06-17/just-add-water Sometimes we need to help Mother Nature provide water to our gardens. Brent Crain, Consumer Horticulture Educator for Michigan State University Extension, offers practical tips on how to water properly and effectively. Sat, 17 Jun 2023 13:40:00 GMT https://www.wcmu.org/show/from-the-ground-up/2023-06-17/just-add-water Judy Wagley