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ENVIRONMENT

Year-long pollinator garden project hosts grand opening

The Environmental Studies and Sustainability United student group hosted a grand opening event for their pollinator garden project on Sept. 26. The garden has been in the works for about a year and now holds over 300 native plants to encourage pollination and add some beauty to campus.

ENVIRONMENT

Michigan Waterways Stewards hosts river trail clean up

The Michigan Waterways Stewards hosted a cleanup of the Red Cedar River Trail on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. Community members volunteered to help with the clean up, promoting conservation efforts and a dedication to ensuring a healthy environment.

ENVIRONMENT

Fast fashion: What is it and what are the environmental effects?

Fast fashion brands, such as Shein and Temu, have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years, thanks to social media. MSU students and professors explore why fast fashion is harmful to the environment, why it appeals to college students and some of the more sustainable practices to utilize instead.

ENVIRONMENT

Beal Botanical Garden to remove invasive species

The W.J. Beal Botanical Garden has committed itself to removing invasive species from the garden and around MSU's campus. In light of the Red Cedar River's tendency to flood and spread these invasive species, the Beal Garden has adopted a new invasive species policy to help them be better stewards of the environment.

ENVIRONMENT

A total solar eclipse will happen in April. Here's what to know

On April 8, a rare astronomical phenomenon will take place over North America: a total solar eclipse. While solar eclipses are relatively common, occurring a few times a year, the ability to experience totality in the Midwest is rare; the next total eclipse will not occur until 2045. Here's what to know about the astronomical event and how you can participate.

ENVIRONMENT

Severe winter weather possible in Michigan through Saturday

A winter storm warning has been put in place by the National Weather Service and will remain in effect until 7 p.m. on Saturday. According to an NWS Urgent Winter Weather Message, a winter storm is heading toward west Michigan and is forecasted to start snowing shortly after 4 p.m. Friday afternoon. This storm is forecasted to bring anywhere from 8 in. to 13in of snowfall and wind gusting up to 50 mph. Windchill is expected to bring temperatures into the single digits. 

ENVIRONMENT

How MSU's Worm Wizard is leading vermicomposting on campus

In 2010, MSU horticulture professor John Biernbaum sought to develop a method diverting some food waste away from landfills, beginning a vermicomposting project with funding from the MSU Student Life & Engagement, or SLE, formerly known as Resident Housing Services, and the MSU Office of Sustainability with the goal of diverting kitchen preparation scraps from the landfill.

ENVIRONMENT

Building from the ground up: Beal Botanical Gardens aim to restore native plant life along Red Cedar River

W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens is implementing a restoration initiative to help ensure the longevity of Michigan State University's heart— the Red Cedar River. Evaluation of the riverbank began in 2018, and since then, the staff at W.J. Beal have been taking steps to cultivate the growth of native plant life along the Red Cedar and in the Natural Areas on campus.

ENVIRONMENT

MSU Dairy Farm uses cow burps to fight climate change

Michigan State University’s Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center has a new machine for its cows, and it could help farmers fight climate change worldwide. The machine, which dispenses treats for cows and analyzes their output, is part of an ongoing climate change project led by MSU animal science professor Dr. Mike Vandehaar.