Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/author/great-lakes-echo/)
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.
By Lily Cole
A new book explores the life of a prolific Midwestern naval architect whose vessels once carried passengers who are still alive today.
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.
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.
By Lily Cole
Nationally, farmers markets are growing rapidly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported 2,863 markets in 2000, with that number rising to more than 8,700 in 2025. In Michigan alone, more than 200 markets offer amenities for patrons, including fresh produce and special events.
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.
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.
By Joshua Kim
A new book, “Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy” (Michigan State University Press, $29.95), uncovers more of the political and legal aspects of the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck.
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.
By Samantha Ku
A newly restored reef at Channel Island in Saginaw Bay is intended to support native fish spawning and increase their numbers, ensuring the sustainability of local fisheries. Construction to restore the nearshore fish spawning reef ended last October.