Author: Oko Environmental

It has been a snowy start to winter, and with the holidays around the corner, the white landscape is certainly setting the mood. I’ve been studying environmental science and teaching the public about the natural world for nearly fourteen years, and winter ecology remains one of my favorite subjects. While snow-covered hills and frozen lakes

Prairie fens are some of Michigan’s rarest and most ecologically valuable wetlands. They often look calm and self contained, grassy ,open, and quietly beautiful. But beneath the surface they rely on a complex long distance relationship with groundwater that can extend for miles. Prairie fens and groundwater relationship status: It’s complicated. What Is a Prairie

It’s official: humans have become the planet’s most powerful force of erosion. “Mining landscapes… are responsible for more sediment production than paved road construction, house construction, and agriculture, which, in combination, produce more sediment than natural processes.” (Mossa & James, 2022) According to geomorphologists, human activity now shifts over 300 billion tons of earth and

Community Update: Springfield Township Public Meetings & Participation Are you feeling ‘meeting fatigued’? You’re not alone. Many people are. The residents of Springfield Township and surrounding area have all worked hard to stay involved in the review process for the proposed Levy mine, and your presence and voices have already made a real difference. Right

We’ve added a new page to help break down the basics of the proposed mining operation for Ormond Road in Springfield Township, MI. This page provides a simple overview of what’s being proposed, including the type of mining planned, the location, and key details that residents should be aware of. It’s a starting point for

The Springfield Township Planning Commission monthly meeting held on September 23, 2025 did not have any information or updates on the Levy/BMC mining proposal. This is expected since the special land use permit is paused for further independent investigation. Part of Oko Environmental’s work is to provide information to the public & decision-makers by addressing

Oko Environmental, LLC is dedicated to making environmental science clear, accessible, and actionable. By providing independent research, analysis of technical documents, and community-focused communication, Oko Environmental helps residents, organizations, and leaders understand complex issues and make informed decisions. With a focus on transparency and science-based insight, Oko Environmental bridges the gap between technical data and