Nearshore
Lake breeze can be harmful to health
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Regions 30 miles off the Lake Michigan coast are subject to a polluted lake breeze that contaminates air quality. Their toxic reach varies depending on the weather.
Echo
Ontario jumping worm invasion threatens to leap borders
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For the first time, Asian jumping worms were found in Ontario in March. The discovery of the invasive worms follows sightings in all Great Lakes states except for Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York. Removal of invasive species once they are established is extremely difficult, making prevention essential.
Homepage Featured
Repairs planned to 78 Michigan bridges rated in poor condition
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A recently launched bridge bundling program by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is expected to repair up to 78 locally owned bridges that are in serious or critical condition. The repaired bridges could last up to 50 years before needing to be fixed again and could potentially last even longer with maintenance project.
Homepage Featured
Commentary: A green outlook on mental health is a privilege not all can access
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Academic research increasingly documents how interaction with green space has a positive impact on mental health. But not everybody has access to quality green space.
Echo
Backyard habitats: TikTok edition
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In our newest TikTok, Echo reporter Rayna Skiver interviews Natalie Cypher, naturalist and educator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Adventure Center.
Echo
Backyard habitats
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Backyard habitats benefit both wildlife and the people making them. For wildlife, they provide food and a safe place to nest. People benefit because of the positive feelings associated with added greenery and the presence of wildlife.
Commentary
May: Good fish, fun fish, bad fish, sunfish
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May is a good time to look for sunfish nests. The sunfish family includes some of Michigan’s most popular sport fish: largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegills, pumpkinseeds, crappies, rock bass and others. They are also among the world’s worst invasive fish species.
Wildlife
Commentary: Bullfrogs are my favorite band
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Bullfrogs are hard to spot, even though they’re loud and large. Using environmental DNA can be helpful in locating and understanding elusive creatures like bullfrogs.
Climate
Commentary: Climate change is buggin’ me. And you
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Michigan’s Lower Peninsula has seen a dramatic increase in ticks in the past 10-15 years due to climate change. Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, can spread Lyme disease to people.
Climate
Commentary: Fighting climate change requires individual action and systemic change
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Fighting climate change can often feel like an overwhelming endeavor. Success must be reached using a combination of tactics in a sustained and relentless manner, according to experts.