News
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Care of live fir trees can mean a greener holiday
Published on November 29, 2012
Trying a live alternative to cut trees during the holiday season can be a satisfying exercise if some precautions are taken in the tree’s selection, transition and planting. -
Landscape and marine contractors can become Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professionals
Published on November 29, 2012
Natural shoreline certification training program offered in Van Buren and Oakland Counties in February 2013. -
Learn how to safety install and operate a generator during power outages
Published on November 15, 2012
If you choose to use a generator when power outages occur, make sure you follow the guidelines for properly installing and safely operating a back-up electrical system. -
Michigan Green Schools Program is fun, encourages students to explore their inner “green”
Published on November 15, 2012
Statewide K-12 Michigan Green Schools Program for public and private schools cultivates the next generation of environmental stewards. -
Protecting your community officials with liability insurance
Published on November 15, 2012
Carrying liability insurance helps protect officials in the event of a lawsuit, but it is important to work with your municipal attorney to review the policy’s scope of coverage to ensure that your community’s coverage needs are met. -
Prepare your home, workplace and vehicle for winter storms
Published on November 14, 2012
As winter approaches, you can take simple steps to prepare for winter storms that may result in power outages at your home and workplace, or that make travel impossible for several days. -
Increasing public participation in the planning process
Published on November 14, 2012
Public participation is critical to an effective planning process and is a key ingredient in successful communities. -
Placemaking: People make “great places”
Published on November 13, 2012
The concept of placemaking is the newest evolution in planning and it involves creating attractive, interesting and viable places that draw people. However, planners must never forget the key ingredient in a creating a “place” is people. -
Natural fall events can put structures at risk for spring fire losses
Published on November 6, 2012
Dead leaves and needles that accumulate in yards adjacent to buildings, on roofs and in eves pose a fire risk to structures when they dry out in the following spring wildfire season. -
Community planning’s dirty word: Sprawl
Published on October 24, 2012
Managing growth can prevent sprawl and encourage the development of prosperous Michigan cities and countrysides.