Wildlife
Aphids are treat for Halloween beetles
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While homeowners may not be thrilled with Asian lady beetles, researchers are examining how the beetles control aphids, a pest that eats away at soybeans and other plants.
Waste
Green Gridirons: University of Wisconsin
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A football stadium may have green grass but does it have green habits? Each week, Great Lakes Echo highlights a Big Ten football stadium’s attempts to do the most to impact the environment the least. All schools have information on the stadium’s diversion rate – the amount of waste recycled instead of put in a landfill. Stadium: Camp Randall Stadium
School: University of Wisconsin
Built: 1917
Capacity: 80,321
2012 diversion rate: 33 percent
Scouting report: Each game day, community and student volunteers create awareness about the importance of conservation efforts at the university like recycling and compost bins, said Meredith Keller, student programs coordinator at the university’s office of sustainability. The stadium saw a significant increase in diversion rate from 3 percent at the start of the season to 33 percent during the last game, said Keller.
Echo
More Michigan farmers markets welcoming food benefits
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Food stamp use at farmers markets is expanding — and soon it may be easier for markets to accept food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently requested suggestions to improve service and eligibility requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as SNAP or food benefits. And the East Lansing-based Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) submitted comments calling for improvements in the way farmers markets seek SNAP eligibility. Among the suggestions: Simplify the paperwork for markets to apply for SNAP eligibility and provide more assistance with associated costs. “We have a lot of opportunities for growth here,” said Amanda Shreve, manager of programs and partnerships at MIFMA.
Echo
New report outlines attitudes on Michigan’s energy future
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In 2008, the state legislature passed Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. The law requires that by the year 2015, utilities must generate at least 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources. As 2015 approaches, state officials are working to determine the next steps for Michigan’s energy policy.
Echo
Great Lakes state playing catch-up in effort to build water-based economy
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Michigan may be the Great Lakes state, but its neighbors to the east and west are leading efforts to turn water-based technology, academic research and tourism into jobs and revenue.
Wildlife
Battling the Bloom: Lake Erie
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Click here to watch Battling the Bloom: Lake Erie
In 1970, sections of Lake Erie were declared dead due to an excess of toxic algal blooms created by industrial pollution. But a little over a decade later, the lake went through a transformation that saw a return of wildlife and recreation to the area. Over the past five years, the blooms have returned. These blooms are largely caused by fertilizer and farmland waste nearby running off into Lake Erie. The video linked above discusses the past and current threats posed to Lake Erie by these blooms, and what scientists and conservationists are doing to stop them.
Recreation
Play brings drama of historical Great Storm to the stage
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The Great Lakes Storm of 1913 is widely considered to be the defining tragedy of the region. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the storm that claimed the lives of more than 250 people and destroyed 19 ships. Now that tragedy is coming to the stage. “The Great Storm,” a play directed by Warren L. Robinson, follows the stories of two families whose worlds are shaken by the disaster. The play is part of the three-month long “A Remembrance of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913“ event, established by the Port of Goderich in Ontario and a group of volunteers in the Lake Huron community.
Echo
Osprey from Michigan refuge arrives in Cuba
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For the first time in Michigan, three ospreys have been fitted with tracking devices in order to get a better look at the birds’ migration patterns. One of the birds, named Monroe Spark, recently made it to Cuba.
Echo
Green Gridirons: Penn State University
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A football stadium may have green grass but does it have green habits? Each week, Great Lakes Echo highlights a Big Ten football stadium’s attempts to do the most to impact the environment the least. All schools have information on the stadium’s diversion rate – the amount of waste recycled instead of put in a landfill. Stadium: Beaver Stadium
School: Penn State University
Built: 1960
Capacity: 106,572
2009 diversion rate: 48.6 percent
Scouting report: Penn State has been recycling at Beaver Stadium for almost 16 years, but a recent initiative to promote recycling helped the university more than triple its recycling average. Since 2008, Penn State has diverted more than 100 tons of trash from landfills from Beaver Stadium, university officials said.
Echo
Michigan legislators hope to promote salvaging animals with new roadkill bill
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Michigan state Sen. Darwin Booher, R-Evart, wants you to keep your roadkill — please. He, along with colleague Sen. John Pappageorge of Troy, are trying to lessen the paperwork involved in those interested in keeping roadkill.