Research and Innovation

Investments in alternative energy have made Michigan a leader nationwide, but more incentives are needed to continue encouraging growth. Second Wave spoke with state leaders in renewable energy to better understand the field.

Archangel Ancient Tree Archive collects the oldest tree DNA on Earth, and clones new seedlings from it. If it sounds like Jurassic Park, but with trees, you're halfway right, except it's real, and urgent for the future of our planet. It all happens right down the road in Copemish.

Ever think a tree could push Michigan forward into prosperity once again? Dave Parsons, Craig Waldron and maple syrup producers like them do, and with support from the state government and innovative advances in the industry they can see maple trees leading to a several billion dollar business. With more sugar maples than Quebec or Vermont, Michigan could find itself as a leader in the industry, Kim Hoyum reports.

You can feel the energy up and down Northwest Michigan's  coast: It's upbeat, stimulating, exhilarating. That's what Northwest Michigan Second Wave is all about. We're a weekly web magazine with a fresh narrative about the people, companies and industries that are reshaping the communities along Lake Michigan's coastline, moving them forward, making them sustainable, dynamic places that we dream about.