TRAVERSE CITY, MI (AP)-- As vacationers enjoy the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, environmental activists warn that climate change poses a danger to the area's signature fruit.
Leaders of a campaign called "Save the Cherry" are hosting a series of events during this week's festival, including a tour of an orchard and a news briefing to discuss a solar power co-op.
There's a "citizens' hearing" on clean power Thursday, and campaign members will hand out balloons and information cards during Saturday's Cherry Royale Parade.
Campaign sponsors include Clean Water Action, the Michigan Land Use Institute and the National Wildlife Federation.
They say the erratic weather of recent years shows that climate change is underway, threatening cherries and other Michigan crops.
The festival started last Saturday and ends this Saturday.