Reported Lyme Disease cases in Michigan nearly quadrupled between 2022 and 2025.

Blacklegged ticks (deer ticks), which transmit Lyme Disease hitch rides on hosts like white-tailed deer to migrate across the state. The disease is now endemic across much of southern Michigan, including Southeast Michigan.

In areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, it’s estimated up to 50% of adult deer ticks harbor the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, Borrelia burgdorferi.

Blacklegged ticks are most commonly found in heavily wooded areas with lots of brush or dry leaf piles. 

Identification

There are several kinds of ticks in Michigan, including the dog tick. Only Blacklegged ticks (Deer ticks) carry Lyme disease, so identifying the species of tick, if possible, is an important part of diagnosis.

Prevention

There are several prevention methods that, used together, help reduce tick bites. Follow safety instructions with particular attention for children and pets.

• Daily tick checks after spending time outdoors where ticks are prevalent
• Apply EPA-approved insect repellents such as DEET, Picaridin, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus,
• Treat clothes with Permethrin
• Wear light-colored clothing and tuck your pants into your socks. 

Symptoms

Lyme disease symptoms may include rashes, muscle or joint pain, headaches, and even neurological issues such as Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis). If you’ve been bitten by a tick or suspect that you have, doctors can administer an prophylactic dose of doxycycline within 72 hours to reduce the chances of contracting Lyme.

However, if you miss this window, duration of treatment with antibiotics goes up as time from contracting illness and symptom severity increases.

Guests

• Dr. Jean Tsao, professor and tick researcher in Fisheries and Wildlife department at Michigan State University
• Dr. Peter Gulick, professor of Medicine at Michigan State University

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“Black Summers” – a book about growing up in the urban outdoors –  is a compilation of writings from Detroiters. In it they detail what it’s like to experience a summer here. But it’s not just about playing tag at the park or barbeques on Belle Isle. The book balances the joys and freedoms that come with the season while remaining very aware of how our racial history at one point restricted it. 

The 33 entries in the book range in their style and depth. Together they paint a picture of what it’s like to be outside in Detroit. Desiree Cooper is the editor of the book. She joined the program to explain how she weaved these pieces together. 

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One of two public campgrounds in Wayne County is reopening this summer after extensive renovations.

Located in Lower Huron Metropark, the Walnut Grove Campground features 15 ADA-accessible campsites and connects to the Iron Belle Trail, Huron River Water Trail and the rest of the 13-park, 25,000 acre Huron-Clinton Metroparks system.

While camping outdoors requires some equipment and knowledge, those resources are within reach, and the new campground is more accessible than ever, says Amy McMillan, CEO of Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

“One of the great things about these improvements is we have barrier-free camping now, if you have mobility issues or have a stroller you need to push around, it’s absolutely perfect for that.”

A number of education and community events are available for camp-curious metro Detroiters, including a Family Campout Night on July 24-25, and weekend programs for first-time campers to try out equipment for the first time.

“You kind of get that up north feeling being right here next to Belleville,” says McMillan.

You can reserve campsites online, with dates open early May through Mid-October.

Guests:

• Amy McMillan is the CEO of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
• Holly Clegg is the Park Operations Manager at Lower Huron Metropark.

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