Features

Feature Story A prescribed burn at Kensington Metropark.

Where there's smoke, there may be environmental renewal: How parks use fire to support nature

A burning field, forest, or prairie in your local park may be an alarming sight, but sometimes it's actually a sign of an intentional, controlled process with significant benefits for the environment. 

Longform Supplemental Science student Madison Taylor with her exhibit on soil samples at a science fair at WAY Academy in Detroit.

Metroparks offer year-round hands-on science classes in 2 Detroit schools

Through the Supplemental Science program, Huron-Clinton Metroparks staff work with school staff to offer science lessons in schools, usually multiple times a week throughout the school year. 

Longform Erik and Israel Nordin of Detroit Design Center created the sculptures for Masons Corner.

More awards for Downtown Farmington as it turns its attention to the future

2025 is also the year where the general public has an opportunity to help shape the direction of downtown Farmington in the years to come.

Feature Story “Burst” by Ray Katz in Sterling Heights.

Sterling Heights innovates ways to grow defense industry while filling the talent pipeline

"With nearly 100,000 square feet of new training space, this facility will not only provide life-changing career opportunities for residents across Southeast Michigan but will also strengthen our local economy for years to come," says Mayor Michael Taylor.

Feature Story Consumer's Energy Four Cities Metro Pipeline project will occur from 2026 to 2029.

Natural gas pipeline project to update aging system in four Metro-Detroit cities

Consumers Energy will invest $182 million to replace eight miles of outdated natural gas pipeline in four Metro Detroit cities from 2026 to 2029. The company claims this project will improve the safety and reliability of its natural gas system, but environmental advocacy groups argue that money and resources could be better invested in renewable, cleaner energy sources.

Feature Story The chapel of St. Mary's Academy

Vacant for 20 years, historic Monroe building will be repurposed for community goodNonprofit Journal Project Feature

In Monroe, the former St. Mary’s Academy building left an empty space in the city’s downtown when it closed in 2003. Demolition was on the table until a developer with a personal connection to the building stepped up to save it.

Feature Story "Magic Wonder Safari” by Anthony Lee at Zap Zone.

PHOTOS: New adventures in public art with Sterling Heights

Several new artworks have debuted in Sterling Heights since we last took a stroll around the city’s art-strewn municipal campus. Let’s take a look at what’s new in Sterling Heights.

Development News The Jackson House once provided shelter for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his allies throughout the tumultuous Selma-to-Montgomery marches of 1965.

Local history projects win grants in Dearborn, Mount Clemens, Rochester, and more

“The volume of applications demonstrates the necessity of this funding,” says Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan.

Development News The 10th annual Sterling Edge Awards will be hosted inside Lakeside Mall, the now-closed shopping center soon to be razed for a transformational mixed-use development in Sterling Heights.

Nominations open for Sterling Edge Awards as City plans event inside shuttered Lakeside Mall

Nominations for the 10th annual Sterling Edge Awards are currently being accepted online until a Friday, July 18, deadline.

Longform Cam Underdown and Chris Powers are the co-founders of ReciproCity, which developed a new housing resources website called Shelter Oakland.

Real-time shelter bed openings and other housing resources offered on new Shelter Oakland website

A new website offers real-time information on the number of beds available at almost all Oakland County shelters, as well as a massive list of resources available to those experiencing housing insecurity in the county. 

Feature Story Huge CNC Machines at Tarus's factory in Sterling Heights.

TARUS turns 40 with bold moves and innovation in manufacturing and software

As TARUS celebrates 40 years in Sterling Heights, the Michigan-based manufacturer is forging a bold new path—combining precision tooling for critical industries with the launch of its custom-built software platform, VERAX ERP, to help manufacturers thrive.

Feature Story All Gods Children Developmental Learning Center plans to be certified by  Michigan’s free PreK for All program by fall of 2025.

Detroit early education center preparing littles for “the next phase in life” despite challenges

All of Gods Children Developmental Learning Center in Detroit exemplifies the need for addressing early education professionals low wages and the need for increased state child care subsidies.

Feature Story Robyn and Melissa Childers, owners of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness.

LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Metro Detroit you should know about

In celebration of Pride Month, here are some businesses owned by folks in the LGBTQ+ community that you should check out.

Longform Making connections at Dinan Park.

How local musicians help connect parks and people in downtown Farmington

“That keystone moment of creating Riley Park has led downtown Farmington down the direction of creating this network of other cool little public nodes, like Dinan Park and the Masonic park, and connecting them,” says John Bry, Program Coordinator at Main Street Oakland County.

Feature Story Randi Rossario Maples holding her newly launched book "Sis I Get It!"

Detroit influencer's new book, “Sis, I Get It” explores black girl empowerment and sisterhood

Randi Rossario Maples, Detroit's most followed influencer, has authored several books focusing on co-parenting and the art of goal setting. In her latest publication, “Sis, I Get It!” which hit the shelves last month, delves into themes such as establishing boundaries in friendships, the challenges of motherhood, and the journey of discovering one's voice.

Development News The city’s African American Coalition hosts their 4th annual event on Thursday, June 19, with free activities planned throughout the day at the Sterling Heights Public Library and Dodge Park.

Juneteenth event expands to all-day celebration in Sterling Heights

"Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of our shared journey toward freedom and justice," says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.

Development News The Clinton River at Budd Park.

Placemaking projects, caregivers, and youth sports latest to benefit from Detroit area endowment

“From transportation for caregivers and construction of an accessible nature trail, to coaching for girls field hockey and inclusive theater performances, these grants demonstrate the positive impact that can happen when donors, philanthropy, communities and nonprofits work together,” says Community Foundation President Nicole Sherard-Freeman.

Feature Story Valerie Orr, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Monroe County

Valerie Orr Brings educator’s eye and collaborative vision to Community Foundation of Monroe CountyNonprofit Journal Project

Valerie Orr brings an educator’s perspective and collaborative spirit to her role as executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County.

Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

Feature Story Shed 5 Flea Bowls

Shed 5 Flea returns to Eastern Market for its 9th season

This summer, the Shed 5 Flea event series returns to Eastern Market to bring local vendors and food trucks for the community. The events will be held throughout the season on June 8, July 13, and August 10, 2025.

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.