In the 15 years since the first Noquemanon Ski Marathon, the Noquemanon Trail Network has become one of the area's defining assets, encapsulating the rugged spirit of the Upper Peninsula and positioning Marquette County as a world-class outdoor sports destination.
K-12 students are taking part in a monarch butterfly project, while 16-24 year olds have been working in the Great Lakes Conservation Corps for years. Both are initiatives through the Superior Watershed Partnership to connect youth with their environment.
Michigan may be great at recycling beverage containers, but that's where the Mitten State's recycling fame ends. A new state-led effort is hoping to change that by making it easier to recycle and building local markets so we can keep money -- and jobs -- out of the landfill.
The 2013 national Kids Count data book reports Michigan ranking 31 out of 50 in child well-being. With this shaky foundation, Michigan has some serious work to do in improving child health and wellness outcomes.
Armed with innovative technologies and low-tech solutions to age-old problems, the U.P.'s farmers and food-system stakeholders are charting a new path for its agriculture industry.
The Jasper Ridge Brewery has a reputation for being one of the best places to eat and drink in Marquette County. Combine that with the trappings of a traditional U.P. bar and you get the new Bear's Den Brewpub located in Ishpeming.
It seems like residents of the Upper Peninsula are a long ways away from fresh, locally produced food. Yet, a small but growing group of farmers and food producers are making wholesome eating a reality for folks living above the bridge.
With help from development-focused organizations, the Houghton-Hancock area is poised for an economic resurgence.
Marquette and Cadillac are among the Michigan cities receiving plans to help improve target sites in their cityscapes to help improve aesthetics, walkability, and other key aspects to make their downtowns more attractive.
Northern Michigan University made the move toward a biomass heating plant to save money and energy. But it had wood ash waste as a byproduct, until the right channels were found to use that as a soil amendment in local farm fields.
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