Residents of Detroit engaged in community journalism and environmental preservation initiatives.
BridgeDetroit has started its spring campaign to raise $7,000 by May 16, aiming to support community journalism for the next five years. Since May 2020, the organization has focused on delivering critical information to Detroit residents while addressing local environmental concerns, including invasive plant species. The community’s involvement is essential in these efforts, and fundraising is crucial for sustaining free journalism that engages and informs the public about important issues.
Detroit – BridgeDetroit has launched its fifth-anniversary spring campaign to raise $7,000 by May 16 to sustain its community journalism initiatives over the next five years. Since its inception in May 2020, the organization has focused on delivering important information to the city’s residents while fostering stronger community ties. The newsroom is dedicated to ensuring its reporting and engagement events remain accessible to all Detroiters, regardless of their income level.
In the past five years, BridgeDetroit has successfully attracted over 65,000 monthly visitors and has expanded its offerings by launching a quarterly print magazine. The organization tailors its coverage according to the needs expressed by local communities, highlighting the interests and concerns of Detroiters.
In addition to celebrating its achievements, the organization is addressing environmental concerns facing Michigan, particularly the growing issue of invasive plant species. The state has added lesser celandine to its invasive species watchlist, a plant recognized for its detrimental impact on local ecosystems. Lesser celandine is characterized by its low growth, yellow buttercup flowers, and rapid spread, which allows it to outcompete native wildflowers and contribute to riverbank erosion.
Other invasive species causing concern in Michigan include the spotted lanternfly, itadori knotweed, phragmites, and garlic mustard. The threat posed by these species is compounded by climate change, which has resulted in an estimated loss of nine winter days in Michigan. This climatic shift jeopardizes local fruit trees and facilitates the spread of invasive plants, as warmer winters encourage their proliferation and expansion into new geographic areas.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, recent winters have been relatively beneficial for managing invasive species when compared to prior years. However, rising average year-round temperatures in Detroit—over 4°F since 1970—have raised awareness regarding the importance of controlling and managing invasive plant species.
The U.S. Forest Service prioritizes various strategies including prevention, detection, control, management, restoration, and rehabilitation of invasive plants to combat this growing problem. Notably, many individuals continue to be unaware of the invasive species issue, indicating a pressing need for educational initiatives to inform the public about the impacts of these plants.
Plants such as lesser celandine and garlic mustard were historically introduced for ornamental and culinary purposes, yet they remain available for commercial sale. Residents are encouraged to report any sightings of these invasives to help manage their spread effectively. Preventive measures, including using boot brushes to clean dirt and plant fragments and cleaning boats to avoid transporting invasive species, are recommended for outdoor enthusiasts.
Community involvement is essential for addressing the invasive species concern. Volunteer opportunities, such as the “Honeysuckle Happy Hour” at Rouge Park focused on invasive species removal, have been organized to engage residents in combatting this issue. The DNR has scheduled statewide invasive plant workdays, with a notable event on May 10 at Bald Mountain Recreation Area centered around the removal of garlic mustard.
As BridgeDetroit celebrates its fifth anniversary, it emphasizes the importance of community support in sustaining free journalism and addressing vital issues affecting the city. Through its initiatives, BridgeDetroit aims to create a more informed and engaged community, vital for the health and well-being of Detroit’s residents.
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