The highest expense for schools behind faculty salaries is energy, prompting some districts in Michigan to eye solar savings.
The post New solar program might help Michigan K-12 schools curb energy cost first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/14/new-solar-program-might-help-michigan-k-12-schools-curb-energy-cost/
Some trails are just better in the winter.
The post Some trails are better with snow first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/13/some-trails-are-better-with-snow/
Michigan has disposed of more than 50,000 gallons of potentially harmful firefighting foam since 2019. Firefighters and environmental advocates say that isn’t enough.
The post Firefighters, environmental advocates push for safer foam first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/10/firefighters-environmental-advocates-push-for-safer-foam/
Michigan farmers across the state say that the use of drones could revolutionize farming, but researchers working with drones say federal laws fail to meet their needs.
The post Federal regulations hinder farming with drones first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/09/federal-regulations-hinder-farming-with-drones/
Increasing numbers of power outages caused by climate-induced weather put pressure on utility companies to strengthen energy grid resilience, experts say.
The post Climate change triggers concern over energy grid reliability first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/08/climate-change-triggers-concern-over-energy-grid-reliability/
Park staff say the structures disrupt the natural beach habitat and can even be damaging to some animal species, like the piping plover.
The post Sleeping Bear park officials ask visitors to stop building structures on lakeshore first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/08/sleeping-bear-park-officials-ask-visitors-to-stop-building-structures-on-lakeshore/
Grants are available to buy removal supplies, like sponges and towels, or host events teaching boaters how to properly clean off invasive species, according to a Department of Natural Resources press release.
The post Grant program repels Great Lakes invaders first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/07/grant-program-repels-great-lakes-invaders/
Some Michigan lawmakers and environmental advocates want to create a hotline to stop retailers from fraudulently cashing in on the state’s beverage container deposit law.
The post Proposed hotline aimed at bottle bill fraud first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/06/proposed-hotline-aimed-at-bottle-bill-fraud/
Michigan is encouraging counties to consider giving their trash a new life, offering up to $12,000 in grants to those interested in treating it as a resource.
The post Michigan encourages counties to convert trash into treasure first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/06/michigan-encourages-counties-to-convert-trash-into-treasure/
With stores already in the full swing of the Christmas season, many people are already thinking about the centerpiece of decorations: the real Christmas tree.
The post Projections rosy for the upcoming Christmas tree season first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/03/projections-rosy-for-the-upcoming-christmas-tree-season/
Farmers are known for their ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ mentality. It is rare they’ll admit they’re getting mental health help.
The post Mental health resources grow for Michigan farmers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/02/mental-health-resources-grow-for-michigan-farmers/
An Amherst, N.Y., man has received an 18-month prison sentence for trafficking exotic African cats, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Buffalo.
The post New York man imprisoned for trafficking African wild cats first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/01/new-york-man-imprisoned-for-trafficking-african-wild-cats/
As with books at traditional libraries, seed libraries contain seeds that circulate among community members.
The post Michigan seed libraries grow food resilience first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/30/michigan-seed-libraries-grow-food-resilience/
By Sammy Schuck Most people may know that festivals attract people to Michigan communities. What most may not know is that festivals and events in the state are an annual $1 billion industry, according to Michigan Festivals and Events Association CEO Mike Szukhent. According to Szukhent, the lack of winter festivals last year “hit hard.” […]
The post Communities welcome return of winter festivals first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/29/communities-welcome-return-of-winter-festivals/
Some lawmakers and environmental advocates want to ban chemicals in food packaging that they say threatens the health of Michiganders.
The post Advocates push ban of chemicals in food packaging first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/26/advocates-push-ban-of-chemicals-in-food-packaging/
Central Michigan University researchers have discovered unexpected populations of native mussels in the Detroit River, an area that hasn’t been searched for the mollusks since 1998.
The post Researchers investigate native mussels in Detroit River for first time since 1990s first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/25/researchers-investigate-native-mussels-in-detroit-river-for-first-time-since-1990s/
Scientists have discovered a Lake Superior refuge for a declining weasel-like carnivore.
The post Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands shelters a declining species first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/24/lake-superiors-apostle-islands-shelters-a-declining-species/
A beloved German holiday tradition, Christkindlmarket, will return to Chicago this year and celebrate its 25th anniversary after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
The post Christkindlmarket returns to Chicago, the wait continues in Milwaukee first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/23/christkindlmarket-returns-to-chicago-the-wait-continues-in-milwaukee/
Michigan utilities are struggling to provide reliable energy to customers as storms become more frequent and severe.
The post Climate change challenges Michigan’s power delivery first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/22/climate-change-challenges-michigans-power-delivery/
By Hannah Brock Author Timothy Kneeland was 14 years old when snow piled 20 to 30 feet high over four days in his small town outside of Buffalo, New York. The Great Lakes’ snow belt brought havoc to the Buffalo area on Jan. 28, 1977. The storm was the first to be declared a federal […]
The post The drive for bare pavement shaped winter roads public policy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/22/the-drive-for-bare-pavement-shaped-winter-roads-public-policy/
Trash and other types of marine debris are a significant concern in the Great Lakes region and internationally, and balloons are one piece of that puzzle.
The post High schooler inspires bill to ban balloon litter first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/19/high-schooler-inspires-bill-to-ban-balloon-litter/
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the number of hunters is down this year about 4.5% compared to 2020. But at the Buck Pole in Mancelona, the turnout was better than last year.
The post Mancelona Buck Pole more than just a competition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/18/mancelona-buck-pole-more-than-just-a-competition/
Behavior-altering chemicals produced by sea lamprey may decrease the invaders’ populations in the Great Lakes.
The post Chemical sex attraction may curb invasive sea lamprey, new study says first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/17/chemical-sex-attraction-may-curb-invasive-sea-lamprey-new-study-says/
Increased attention to parks as a result of the pandemic is demonstrated by Windsor's recent $1 million (USD $801,705) investment in 14 parks.
The post Windsor invests in parks lighting first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/16/windsor-invests-in-parks-lighting/
A recent study revealed unsafe working conditions in some Michigan nail salons, the consequence of working with hazardous chemicals and not knowing how to handle them properly.
The post Nail salon working hazards exposed first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/15/nail-salon-working-hazards-exposed/
Cohen will be at Howe Memorial Library in Breckinridge, Michigan, on Nov. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. presenting “Making Teas, Tinctures and Oils at Home.”
The post New book preserves relationship with plants through at-home herbalism first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/15/new-book-preserves-relationship-with-plants-through-at-home-herbalism/
Ring-billed gulls travel between populated beaches and human waste sites like landfills and water treatment plants, carrying human pathogens with them.
The post Beach-dwelling gulls are vehicles for bacteria first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/12/beach-dwelling-gulls-are-vehicles-for-bacteria/
Parks Canada and Windsor are exploring the possibilities of turning some of the city’s most ecologically sensitive areas into a new national urban park.
The post Parks Canada and Windsor explore possible new national urban park first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/11/parks-canada-and-windsor-explore-possible-new-national-urban-park/
The peak of the pandemic brought unfamiliar free time that led many people to adopt a pet. As life returns closer to normal and in-person activities resume, these new owners continue to embrace their pandemic pets.
The post New owners hold on to pandemic pets first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/10/new-owners-hold-on-to-pandemic-pets/
After an unusually warm and stormy summer, the Great Lakes region has in store a “frosty flip-flop” winter, according to the 2021-22 Farmers’ Almanac forecast.
The post Farmers’ Almanac forecasts frosty Great Lakes flip-flop first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/10/farmers-almanac-forecasts-frosty-great-lakes-flip-flop/
Environmental groups say they hope that a new Environmental Protection Agency administrator for the Great Lakes region works to restore infrastructure while revitalizing an agency they say is depleted and demoralized.
The post Great Lakes groups hope EPA regional administrator revitalizes infrastructure, morale first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/09/great-lakes-groups-hope-epa-regional-administrator-revitalizes-infrastructure-morale/
More than 49,000 hunters applied to hunt Michigan elk in 2021, a record that is part of a steady decade-long rise, state wildlife officials say.
The post Record elk hunting applications fuel conservation efforts first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/04/record-elk-hunting-applications-fuel-conservation-efforts/
The book tells the history of the Agatha Biddle Band, a band of primarily Native American women who lived on Michigan’s Mackinac Island in the 1800s.
The post New book spotlights Native American women’s band on Mackinac Island first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/03/new-book-spotlights-native-american-womens-band-on-mackinac-island/
When Ziibimijwang Farm sells maple sugar at Minongin Market in Mackinaw City, it’s more than a business transaction – it represents Indigenous food sovereignty.
The post Indigenous entrepreneurs reclaim food system first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/02/indigenous-entrepreneurs-reclaim-food-system/
The bill by state Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, would require conservation officers to wear body cameras while working in the field.
The post Proposed body cameras on Michigan conservation officers draw opposition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/01/proposed-body-cameras-on-michigan-conservation-officers-draw-opposition/
National declines of hunting license sales and the need for additional wildlife conservation funding have prompted proposals to fill the fiscal gap, including one that’s stalled in Congress despite bipartisan support.
The post Wildlife habitat projects look for new funding as hunting licenses decline first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/29/wildlife-habitat-projects-look-for-new-funding-as-hunting-licenses-decline/
As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world, a devastating scenario for local growers loomed on the horizon.
The post Pandemic tests resiliency of community supported agriculture first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/27/pandemic-tests-resiliency-of-community-supported-agriculture/
Artists in the Great Lakes region are taking trash and turning it into art.
The post Great Lakes artists repurposing trash for art first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/26/great-lakes-artists-repurposing-trash-for-art/
After nearly a century and a half, river restoration projects may bring back the rapids that once characterized Grand Rapids, Michigan and provide environmental and economic boosts to the city.
The post Grand Rapids plans to restore its namesake — rapids first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/25/grand-rapids-plans-to-restore-its-namesake-rapids/
The salmon run is a popular time for anglers in Michigan. Snagging isn't allowed, but some think it should be.
The post Salmon run in northern Michigan highlights differing views on snagging first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/22/salmon-run-in-northern-michigan-highlights-differing-views-on-snagging/
Farmers are set to take on a growing number of challenges in the face of climate change.
The post Uncertainty among Michigan fruit growers drives climate-related adaptations first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/21/uncertainty-among-michigan-fruit-growers-drives-climate-related-adaptations/
Mark Benjamin has been coming up and creating mazes since he was young, making it a lifelong passion.
The post 21 years later, Best Maze still stumps visitors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/20/21-years-later-best-maze-still-stumps-visitors/
Children’s health advocates are pushing to install drinking water filters in Michigan schools and child care centers to protect them from lead poisoning.
The post Drinking water filters eyed as better option to testing in Michigan schools and day care centers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/20/drinking-water-filters-eyed-as-better-option-to-testing-in-michigan-schools-and-day-care-centers/
“A Backyard Prairie. The Hidden Beauty of Tallgrass and Wildflowers” is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $24.50.
The post New book celebrates ‘hidden beauty’ of native prairie through Illinois couple’s journey to turn back time in their own backyard first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/18/new-book-celebrates-hidden-beauty-of-native-prairie-through-illinois-couples-journey-to-turn-back-time-in-their-own-backyard/
Why do Isle Royale's red foxes feel comfortable close to humans?
The post Scientists tackle mystery of Isle Royale’s red foxes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/15/scientists-tackle-mystery-of-isle-royales-red-foxes/
The fossil fuel industry has long been blamed for environmental degradation. But what about the financial institutions accused of making environmentally destructive projects possible?
The post Big bank funding of energy projects impacts Great Lakes region first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/14/big-bank-funding-of-energy-projects-impacts-great-lakes-region/
Off-road vehicle and snowmobile riders who are claustrophobic would not have to wear a helmet if a series of bills are passed by the Michigan Legislature.
The post Snowmobile helmet exemption proposed just in time for winter first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/13/snowmobile-helmet-exemption-proposed-just-in-time-for-winter/
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new regulation of Wisconsin’s hemp program will be beneficial, experts say, but growers remain skeptical.
The post Wisconsin hemp industry switching from state to federal oversight signals changes for growers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/12/wisconsin-hemp-industry-switching-from-state-to-federal-oversight-signals-changes-for-growers/
A species unique to the Great Lakes region once had a bounty on its head, but now experts are trying to save it.
The post Endangered Great Lakes rattler once had a bounty first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/11/endangered-great-lakes-rattler-once-had-a-bounty/
Jim DuFresne reflects on hiking in an Upper Peninsula area with connections to Ernest Hemingway.
The post Rediscovering the Fox River & its famous author first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/08/rediscovering-the-fox-river-its-famous-author/
