Archaeological excavation as a practice is both expensive and destructive, often causing irreparable damage to sites with sacred and historical significance. LSA archaeologist Robin Beck and his colleagues have developed a project using new technologies to conduct the largest geophysical survey of an archaeological site in the Americas — Cahokia Mounds — at a very large scale without the costs and harms of excavation.

Students recently transformed U-M’s Nichols Arboretum into an art exhibit, reminding visitors that “the earth is a living thing.” People were guided not by maps or botanical information, but by poetry—a different kind of navigation system. One message on a wooden placard instructed visitors to “Walk/through the garden’s dormant splendor./Say only, thank you.”

The fate of the Line 5 pipeline, which moves more than 500,000 barrels of oil and natural gas liquids between Wisconsin and Canada daily, is at another critical juncture in its 70-plus year history. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just released its assessment of a contentious proposal to bury a section of Line 5 in a tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac.

On Earth Day, April 22, a sapling grown from the historic Tappan Oak was planted near the Alumni Association’s Alumni Center on Central Campus. The planting carries forward the legacy of the original tree, which stood near the Hatcher Graduate Library for more than 300 years until its removal in 2021 when the trunk was discovered to have decayed.

New solar installations distributed across the Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses will have a total capacity of 25 megawatts of renewable electricity after a three-year installation process is complete. The electricity generated — enough to power about 3,000 homes — will feed directly into U-M buildings rather than going back into the regional power grid.

Scientists in the School for Environment and Sustainability are always seeking to influence water policy through research in the Great Lakes states. Recent work has produced actional recommendations to enhance resilience amid a changing climate.

While working as a nurse practitioner in Midland, Michigan, alumna Beth DeVries was surprised to learn how many people were not able to afford fresh fruits and vegetables. Knowing how much good health relies on good food, she decided to take action. In 2018, DeVries founded Phoenix Community Farm.

As people prepare for wild winds and heavy rains during hurricane season, you may be wondering what to do if disaster strikes? If scary images of bent-over trees and rampaging storm surges scare you, remember that preparing ahead is best to keep your family safe all year long.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has created more than three miles of accessible trails since 2016 when the Overlook Trail at Arcadia Dunes opened. It’s all part of the conservancy’s work since 1991 under the leadership of Glen Chown, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from U-M’s School of Environment and Sustainability.