Echo

Monitor the effects of climate change as a citizen scientist

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The USA National Phenology Network lets citizen scientists monitor the behavior of plants and animals to track climate change effects. Phenological events like plant flowering and bird migrations are influenced by the climate, so if those events continue to change, that could shed light on a changing climate. You can participate by scanning historical data from The North American Bird Phenology Program, sharing data you’ve kept from past years or observing plants and animals. Just sign up on the National Phenology Network website to learn what plants and animals you can observe, how to observe them and how to submit your information. You can see the data here and track phenological events across the country.

Americans want more and better environmental reporting; help us get some

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Advocating for improved reporting on the environment is central to my job at Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. But apparently most of you agree that it’s a good idea. In fact, nearly 80 percent of Americans believe news coverage of the environment should be improved, according to a national poll commissioned by the Project for Improved Environmental Coverage. The Opinion Research Corp. conducted the poll April 14-15.

It’s time to retire Earth Day

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It’s two days from another Earth Day and you can put me in the camp that believes the day has long outlived its usefulness.

Earth Day long ago devolved to the point where it reeks of symbolism over substance.

Flash Point: Craig Blacklock’s favorite Great Lakes shot

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We asked Great Lakes photographers to send us their favorite Great Lakes shot. Craig Blacklock of Blacklock Photography sent us this photo, also the cover image from his book Apostle Islands – From Land and Sea. Bear Island, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
 I discovered this small arch the previous afternoon. I took the time to set up and make an image. I was ecstatic about the composition, which seemed to contain all the elements of the Apostle Islands, but was not satisfied with the light.

Teach a child to fish and, well, you know the rest

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By Patrick Lyons

Capital News Service

LANSING – Project FISH is focused on teaching a new generation of anglers, hoping to reverse the decline of Michigan fishing license sales. The project teaches water ecology, fishing techniques, rules and ethics of fishing and other skills like cleaning and cooking. A Project FISH – Friends Involved in Sportsfishing Heritage – workshop will be held March 6-7 in East Lansing. Project FISH was started in 1995 by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the Great Lakes Fishery Trust, said Mark Stephens, the education program coordinator. Since then the program has spread to 37 other states.