Climate change is affecting the trees in metro Detroit.

The Eastern U.S. experienced an oppressive heat wave recently. There were also a handful of severe thunderstorms that inevitably brought down branches, limbs, or even whole trees across the region. 

In Detroit, fewer than 60% of households have air conditioning, according to American Forests. That makes shade a vital source of relief from the heat.

So how is Detroit’s tree canopy doing in the face of climate change? And if you want to plant your own tree, what species will be resilient for decades to come? To find out, Metro producer David Leins spoke with Lawrence Law, urban forester and partnership coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

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There are some areas in metro Detroit that experience significant flooding almost every time the region gets heavy rains. One of these floodplains is the Ecorse Creek Watershed.

Located in Wayne County, Ecorse Creek has 15 cities within its boundaries including Westland, Wayne, Romulus, Taylor, Inkster, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Allen Park, Southgate, Lincoln Park, Wyandotte, Ecorse, Melvindale, River Rouge and Detroit.

Friends of the Detroit River has been working for many years to help mitigate stormwater flooding, improve water quality and restore ecosystems within the watershed. 

The nonprofit group is one of 17 organizations recently awarded Watershed Council grants from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to address flooding and stormwater runoff problems. Friends of the Detroit River will receive $40,000 of the total $600,000 awarded.

McKenzi Waliczek, stewardship director for Friends of the Detroit River, joined The Metro to talk about how the organization will utilize the funds.

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.

More stories from The Metro