Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/tag/echo/page/2/)
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.
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.
The Michigan DNR received a record 47,493 applications for 260 elk licenses in 2025. The state is considering changes in its regulations for elk hunting season in Pigeon River Country State Forest and an area near Gaylord.
By Akia Thrower
The 2025 State of the Birds report, an evaluation of U.S. birds by conservation organizations, showed a continued decline in bird populations across the nation. The decline is largely due to the habitat loss of wetlands.
By Anna Ironside
Postage stamps featuring wildlife are helping to fund conservation and bring awareness to communities about habitat protection throughout the Great Lakes region by centering species like the wood duck (Aix sponsa), wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and piping plover (Charadrius melodus).
By Justin Fox Clausen
Two insects are under consideration as Michigan’s official state insect: the stonefly and, more recently, the Huron River leafhopper. The state is one of two in the country without an official insect.
By Joshua Kim
A recent study explores the importance of more diverse viewpoints and ethical considerations when working in archaeology, especially involving Indigenous artifacts.
By Lily Cole
No matter the season, organizations across the Great Lakes region are fighting to keep waterways garbage-free.
By Madison Merrell
Upfront costs of clean energy projects such as wind and solar may be high but the long-term savings on fuel and increased reliability more than offset those initial costs, experts say.