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Great Lakes Echo - Environmental news of the Great Lakes region

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

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Seagulls land on a frozen lake.

Study reveals how dissolved organic matter in the Great Lakes ice may impact spring melt

By Riley Wilson and Great Lakes Echo | 5 hours ago

By Riley Wilson

Ice covering the Great Lakes stores organic carbon, which is released in a burst during spring melt. As climate change reduces ice cover, researchers say this seasonal surge of energy may be shrinking, with uncertain consequences for these freshwater systems.

Wild type plants are superior to cultivars when it comes to attracting pollinators, study says

White flowers called foxglove beardtongue

By Samantha Ku

Cultivated plants rarely match their wild type counterparts in their ability to support pollinators, according to research by pollinator ecologists at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Bat populations plummet in Minnesota as white-nose syndrome spreads

Little brown bat with white-nose syndrome hanging upside down in a mine

By Carly Carter

Bat populations are plummeting in Minnesota as the deadly white-nose syndrome spreads across caves.

Bill would let state enforce air pollution rules after EPA change

A headshot of Sue Shink

By Madison Merrell

A new bill in the Michigan legislature would let the state enforce air pollution rules amid Environmental Protection Agency rollbacks.

More Headlines

Study: Mulch, shade most effective methods of supporting Christmas tree survival 
World Cup 2026 brings sustainability promises and environmental concerns
New book dives into history of ‘phenomenal’ Great Lakes ship architect 

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 white sucker swimming near the sandy bottom of a waterway.
    Fish tumors an indicator of ecological health, study says

    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 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

  • Scientist testing water quality.
    Great Lakes show signs of declining PFAS pollution

    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.

More waste

Recreation

  • A landscape photo of Glen Lake.
    Hospitality and tourism industry scrambling to find seasonal summer help

    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 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

  • New legislation would change regulations for compost, fertilizers and soil conditioners

    By Georgia Hill Legislation in the Michigan House would update fee requirements and simplify regulations for composts, fertilizers and soil conditioners.

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

  • The side of a yellow school bus.
    More Michigan schools move toward EV buses
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  • The Royal Oak Farmers Market sign and building.
    Rooted in community, farmers markets continue to grow
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  • Michigan farm in Washtenaw Co.
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    By Capital News Service
  • A plant with broad leaves and white flowers.
    Funding cuts hamper conservation groups’ invasive species efforts
    By Anna Ironside and Great Lakes Echo
  • A gray wolf during winter.
    Michigan’s main cause of wolf mortality? People
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  • The cover of "Wrecked," featuring a black and white photo of a shipyard.
    New book sails into the unknown political, legal stories of the Edmund Fitzgerald
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  • Machines drop limestone into the lake.
    Lake Huron artificial reef restores fish spawning habitat
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  • An antlered elk in a forest.
    Michigan mulls changes in elk hunt regulations
    By Ada Tussing and Great Lakes Echo
  • A medium-sized gray and black bird perched on a post.
    Push on for bird habitat protection, expansion
    By Akia Thrower and Great Lakes Echo
  • Great Lakes Echo

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