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Great Lakes Echo - Environmental news of the Great Lakes region

Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/)

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Scientist testing water quality.

Great Lakes show signs of declining PFAS pollution

By Riley Wilson and Great Lakes Echo | 16 hours ago

By Riley Wilson

Rising levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination are prompting scientists to question whether the Great Lakes can safely sustain surrounding communities. A recent study shows signs of declining PFAS pollution in these waters using archived fish.

Hospitality and tourism industry scrambling to find seasonal summer help

A landscape photo of Glen Lake.

By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov

Michigan’s tourism industry is preparing for another busy season, with strong visitor demand expected across the state. However, industry experts warn that staffing challenges remain a key concern.

More Michigan schools move toward EV buses

The side of a yellow school bus.

By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov

Michigan is accelerating its transition to electric school buses, with dozens of districts adding new vehicles through a state-funded program aimed at replacing older diesel fleets.

Fish tumors an indicator of ecological health, study says

A white sucker swimming near the sandy bottom of a waterway.

By Samantha Ku

Skin and liver tumors in fish may provide clues to ecosystem health in the Great Lakes region, according to a recent study in the journal Ecotoxicology.

More Headlines

New legislation would change regulations for compost, fertilizers and soil conditioners
Gas prices, driver shortages challenge public transit agencies
Rooted in community, farmers markets continue to grow

Climate

  • People skiing on a snow-covered slope.
    Varying snowfall’s effect on winter sport conditions in Canada

    By Amelia Fraser When many people think of winter sports and hobbies, snow often comes to mind. But what happens when the snow is no longer around? Climate change studies have shown that as the planet warms, snowfall will decline, leaving skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports at risk of fading into memory.

More climate

Wildlife

  • A plant with broad leaves and white flowers.
    Funding cuts hamper conservation groups’ invasive species efforts

    Michigan reduced funding for invasive species projects by $1.2 million. Conservation organizations like the regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are rethinking their funding priorities for 2026 and beyond.

More wildlife

Energy

  • Solar panels being installed on the roof at Marquette Alternative High School.
    Converting public schools to clean energy will create jobs, group says

    By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov Michigan is expanding efforts to move public schools toward zero-emission energy systems, as new initiatives focus on cutting utility costs and modernizing aging buildings.

More energy

Nearshore

  • Preservation project launches effort to restore rare ravine ecosystem 

    By Samantha Ku A rare ravine ecosystem on Lake Michigan's western shore is vulnerable to human encroachment. A recent federal grant is supporting restoration efforts in the region.

More nearshore

Waste

  • Trash on ice sparks movement to keep waterways clean

    By Lily Cole No matter the season, organizations across the Great Lakes region are fighting to keep waterways garbage-free.

More waste

Recreation

  • A sturgeon rests on ice.
    Conservation, research and community collaboration aid in successful 2026 Black Lake sturgeon season

    The 2026 sturgeon season on Black Lake in Michigan lasted all of 48 minutes before the annual quota – six – was reached. There were 653 anglers competing for them.

More recreation

Solutions

  • State grants will boost STEM education in K-12 schools

    By Christian Vazquez Michigan is awarding $800,000 to 17 school districts in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas to advance STEM education.

Agriculture

  • Michigan farm in Washtenaw Co.
    Grants will boost research on PFAS contamination of farmland

    By Karlee VanAntwerp The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will give out $400,000 in grants for research about PFAS on farmlands and livestock.

Water

  • A red ship travels through the waterways near Sault Ste. Marie.
    Study highlights need for community engagement in Great Lakes protection

    By Riley Wilson Climate change, invasive species and other human-driven pressures are among the leading causes of declining freshwater health in the Great Lakes, the National Wildlife Federation reports. There's a growing need for community engagement to protect the lakes, one study finds.

Cities & Suburbs

  • A playground constructed out of wood beams.
    Investing in greenspaces bring benefits to schools, student well-being

    By Samantha Plunkett For residents of Dearborn, Michigan, creating greenspaces in the community has been an important mission for schools and researchers. In a recent study, academics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn partnered with Salina schools to assess their outdoor play spaces.

About Great Lakes Echo

Environmental news of the Great Lakes region from the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University.

Recent Articles

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  • Great Lakes Echo

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