It was a busy year for Echo; after all, it was the year of Michigan’s wolf hunt and the year of the Great Lakes Storm’s centennial anniversary. From the back rooms of breweries to the bottoms of the lakes, we scoured the region for stories readers would care about.
Here are the 10 most visited Echo stories of 2013:
10. Marsh restoration brings long-missing birds, plants home again
Rare plants and birds started to flourish in southeast Michigan after marsh restoration efforts.
9. Algal blooms the new norm for Lake Erie
The “green” future of Lake Erie isn’t a good thing — harmful algal blooms were predicted to strike again.
8. Carp creep
This startling animated graphic detailing the spread of Bighead, Silver and Black Carp species over about four decades garnered plenty of attention.
7. Farmers’ Almanac: Valid winter forecast or darts at a dartboard?
It may have permeated pop culture, but it still doesn’t seem to impress the experts. Echo took a look at the validity of the Farmers’ Almanac.
6. The Great Lakes Storm of 1913: Michigan museums, Ontario communities create tributes
The Great Storm of 1913’s centennial anniversary was first detailed in this January story’s comprehensive look at the commemorative historical events.
5. Toxic chemicals turn up in Great Lakes plastic pollution
Results from the first-ever Great Lakes plastic survey showed toxic chemicals clinging to plastics — causing serious damage to fish and other organisms.
4. Watch time lapse of Lake Erie freezing
A video from Great Lakes Vista captures a breathtaking time lapse of Lake Erie freezing.
3. Tall ships refight Battle of Lake Erie
An audio story, with full script, narrating a reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie.
2. Satellites reveal scant Great Lakes ice cover
A Great Lakes map produced by NOAA’s CoastWatch organization showed near-historic low ice coverage across the region — and Echo readers took notice.
1. Concerns grow about hormone disrupters in Wisconsin water
America’s Dairyland struggled with the overwhelming problem of endocrine disruptors in their waters.