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Great Lakes Echo - Environmental news of the Great Lakes region

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

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A field of corn on a sunny day.

It’s time for ‘corn sweat’ as mid-summer hits

By Great Lakes Echo | July 18, 2026

By Demonte Thomas  

During the summer, corn undergoes a process called evapotranspiration, known by many as “corn sweat” to cool itself down. It raises questions about whether the state’s vast corn fields are making already hot and humid conditions even more uncomfortable.

One-time funding won’t fix financial strain for Michigan’s Fisheries Division

Angler fishing on Lake Michigan in the morning sun near Grand Haven.

By Anna Barnes

Officials from Michigan’s Fisheries division say further cutbacks on staffing and fish stocking are likely as the costs of operations rise. 

Black bass in Great Lakes can live more than 10 years, study finds

Elliott holding a fish.

By Kyrmyzy Turebayeva  

A new study based on data from competitive angling events in the Great Lakes found that more than 20% of black bass weighed-in at these events are over 10 years old.

Going to the beach? Check the water quality

A portrait of Tiffany Cao.

By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov

Nearly half of Great Lakes beachgoers rarely or never check water quality before swimming, according to a new study by researchers at Toronto Metropolitan University.

More Headlines

Invasive elm zigzag sawfly confirmed in Michigan 
How Downriver Detroit’s working communities fought for their region’s environment
Protect yourself: Why ticks are spreading in the Great Lakes region

Climate

  • Field of a purple plant called blazing star.
    Study finds climate warming directly affects the makeup of plant communities

    By Anna Barnes  In Michigan, sugar maple populations are rising and eastern redbud trees are making their way north, while coniferous trees, like the black spruce, continue to decline. One suspected cause: climate warming.

More climate

Wildlife

  • Two falcons in a wooden box.
    New female falcon takes up residence in MSU nest box, but no eggs are laid

    By Demonte Thomas  A new female peregrine falcon has appeared at Michigan State University's falcon nesting box atop Spartan Stadium, marking a significant change at a nesting site occupied by peregrine falcons for years.

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

  • A portrait of Tiffany Cao.
    Going to the beach? Check the water quality

    By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov Nearly half of Great Lakes beachgoers rarely or never check water quality before swimming, according to a new study by researchers at Toronto Metropolitan University.

More nearshore

Waste

  • Students and staff sort waste at Michigan State University.
    Takeout trash piling up at universities

    By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira    As takeout containers pile up across college campuses, universities are struggling to balance sustainability goals with a growing culture of convenience.

More waste

Recreation

  • Toronto Stadium filled with fans in the stands.
    World Cup 2026 brings sustainability promises and environmental concerns

    By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, cities across North America are preparing for an influx of fans, matches and global attention - including Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Canada. Along with the excitement comes growing concern about the tournament’s environmental impact.

More recreation

Solutions

  • A firefighter conducts a prescribed burn.
    Setting fires on purpose to cut risk of catastrophic wildfires

    By Victoria Witke Wildfire risk is predicted to stay elevated in the Upper Midwest from drought and high winds. That’s risky for the region’s pristine inland lakes, but land managers are working to reduce wildfire risk in the Northwoods with controlled burns.

Agriculture

  • Corn being harvested by machines.
    Excessive rainfall in Michigan may affect nutrients in soil amid fertilizer price increases

    By Anna Barnes  Michigan's supply of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers has taken a hit from shipping disruptions caused by the U.S. war with Iran. High prices and historic flooding are causing problems for the state's corn and soybean farmers.

Water

  • A wildland firefighter completes burn operations around a Smokey Bear sign that reads "Fire Danger Very High Today!"
    When forests burn, lakes suffer

    By Victoria Witke Wildfire risk is high in the upper Great Lakes, and research shows that large, scorching wildfires spell trouble for lakes in the region’s remote watersheds.  

Cities & Suburbs

  • Phragmites in between a baseball field and tennis courts.
    Invasives, oak wilt threaten Skyline High School natural areas, adjacent neighborhoods

    By Domonic Marroni In Ann Arbor, Michigan, Skyline High School's natural areas are home to several species of invasive plants causing widespread destruction of surrounding trees. These species pose potential fire hazards and are dangerous to public health.  Action is needed, say several environmental experts, to avert future disasters and to preserve the natural areas for future students.

About Great Lakes Echo

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

Recent Articles

  • A shoulders-up photo of Jim Daniels smiling.
    The Great Lakes as the coordinates of the heart: Jim Daniels, Detroit and Michigan
    By Kyrmyzy Turebayeva and Great Lakes Echo
  • A worker putting a band around the ankle of a heron.
    Refuge in the Windy City: Declining wetland bird makes a home in downtown Chicago
    By Kyrmyzy Turebayeva and Great Lakes Echo
  • Damage left behind from a tornado.
    Tornado activity surpasses yearly average as peak season begins
    By Great Lakes Echo
  • Close up of a sea lamprey's circular mouth.
    What’s that smell? Researchers explore new ways to deter sea lamprey
    By Great Lakes Echo
  • Three researchers examine a bald eagle laying on a blanket the ground in the woods.
    Bald eagle success story faces new threats
    By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
  • Michigan State University farm.
    ‘The outlook is pretty bleak’: Farmers brace for difficult season
    By Great Lakes Echo
  • Satellite images of the Edenville flood.
    Six years after the Edenville flood, residents reflect on loss and recovery  
    By Lily Cole and Great Lakes Echo
  • Common buckthorn, a leafy green shrub with dark berries.
    Michigan restricts buckthorn, other plants as landscapers cry foul
    By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
  • Two green electric vehicle chargers.
    Michigan revives EV charger expansion after federal funding reversal
    By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
  • A pile of firewood at a campsite.
    Agencies warn residents of invasive pest and disease risk in firewood 
    By Anna Barnes
  • Great Lakes Echo

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