On:
In: Echo, Land

By Eric Freedman

Tiny pieces of moss can be crime-busters, says a study examining how law enforcement agencies, forensic teams and botanists have used moss to solve murders, track missing people, calculate how long ago someone died and – in a notorious Mason County case – try to locate the body of a baby murdered by her father.

The post Green clues: Crime-busters turn to moss to help solve crimes  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/11/14/green-clues-crime-busters-turn-to-moss-to-help-solve-crimes/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife

By Georgia Hill

Scientists studying the body size and growth patterns of non-native earthworms in the UP’s Huron Mountains say they are disrupting forest ecosystems. Contrary to popular belief, most North American earthworms are invaders unintentionally introduced during European colonization. They have a significant impact on ecosystems, especially in the Great Lakes region where they affect soil structure, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.

The post New research in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula shows how invasive earthworms are changing forest soils   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/11/12/new-research-in-michigans-upper-peninsula-shows-how-invasive-earthworms-are-changing-forest-soils/

Georgia Hill

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In: Echo, Land

By Victoria Witke

New research shows Anishinaabe fire practices shaped today’s Great Lakes ecosystems. The region’s forests never existed and can’t continue to exist without people – or fire.

The post Anishinaabe fire practices shaped Great Lakes ecosystems, new research shows first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/11/09/anishinaabe-fire-practices-shaped-great-lakes-ecosystems-new-research-shows/

Victoria Witke

On:
In: Echo, Green Gavel, transportation

By Eric Freedman

A horse-drawn carriage. A runaway horse. A crash. Sounds like an old-fashioned drama – not a bizarre 21st-century event. But that’s what happened three years ago when a visitor was injured while riding in a horse-drawn omnibus at Greenfield Village. The Court of Appeals has refused to reinstate her negligence suit against The Henry Ford and the driver.

The post Michigan court refuses to reinstate lawsuit over runaway carriage horse at Greenfield Village   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/11/07/michigan-court-refuses-to-reinstate-lawsuit-over-runaway-carriage-horse-at-greenfield-village/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Echo, water

By Finn Mills 

Pre-proposal submissions for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ yearly fisheries habitat grants are now being accepted. Each year, the DNR allocates $1.5 million in fisheries habitat grants to governments and nonprofit organizations around the state.

The post Michigan soliciting fisheries habitat projects  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/11/05/michigan-soliciting-fisheries-habitat-projects/

Capital News Service

On:
In: Cities & Suburbs, Echo, Wildlife

By Eric Freedman

Empty lots in deindustrialized cities like Detroit may contribute to bird species diversity, says a new study by researchers at MSU and Carleton University in Canada. The study is based on sound recordings collected at 110 sites in 11 Detroit neighborhoods. The study recommends that vacant land management in the city takes a balanced approach that considers the needs of both residents and birds. There are other concerns about vacant land, too, including as sites for solar arrays.

The post Vacant lots boost diversity among Detroit’s birds, study finds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/11/03/vacant-lots-boost-diversity-among-detroits-birds-study-finds/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Cities & Suburbs, Echo, Recreation

By Isabella Figueroa Nogueria

Frank Boles, a retired Central Michigan University historian, has spent decades documenting Michigan’s past. His latest book, “Visiting Mackinac: 150 Years of Tourism at Michigan’s Fabled Straits,” explores how Mackinac Island and the surrounding Straits region became a hub for travelers from across the country.

The post New book shares how Mackinac Island became Michigan’s tourism gem first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/29/new-book-shares-how-mackinac-island-became-michigans-tourism-gem/

Isabella Figueroa Nogueira

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In: Echo, Land

By Joe Lorenz

Electrification and tariffs mean rural Midwest communities can cash in on their mineral resources. But how can these ventures balance local benefit to the ecological cost?

The post New interest in domestic mining comes with call for sustainability in the market first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/24/new-interest-in-domestic-mining-comes-with-call-for-sustainability-in-the-market/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, solutions, water

By Anna Barnes
The Detroit River serves as an important geographic feature, connecting lakes St. Clair and Erie and creating a natural border between the U.S. and Canada. Despite its physical prominence in Detroit, its rich cultural significance is lost among many community residents. Programs are underway to address that disconnect.

The post Detroit River-based program aims to foster stewardship through community connection first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/22/detroit-river-based-program-aims-to-foster-stewardship-through-community-connection/

Anna Barnes

On:
In: Echo, Energy

By Georgia Hill
Utility companies have a history of using “dark money” to influence Michigan elections. Now, organizations are attempting to advance ballot initiatives aimed at stopping utility companies from contributing to politicians who run for or hold offices that impact them. 

The post Ballot proposals advance, aiming to get ‘dark money’ out of politics first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/20/ballot-proposals-advance-aiming-to-get-dark-money-out-of-politics/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Waste

By Julia Belden
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and governor are marking Michigan’s first Microplastics Awareness Week. Scientists are now finding microplastics in the human body but don’t know their long-term effects.

The post Michigan launches first annual Microplastics Awareness Week first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/18/michigan-launches-first-annual-microplastics-awareness-week/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, solutions

By Mia Litzenberg

Climate change is creating new challenges for Great Lakes coastal communities. To tackle these hazards, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority launched the Lake Ontario Coastal Resilience Pilot Project last summer. Over the next four years, the project aims to engage communities in developing a coastal resilience plan.

The post New Lake Ontario initiative tackles climate hazards alongside Lakes Huron and Superior projects first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/17/new-lake-ontario-initiative-tackles-climate-hazards-alongside-lakes-huron-and-superior-projects/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Echo, Nearshore

By Lauren Coin

Park trails along Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Wisconsin and Michigan are eroding because of more frequent extreme precipitation events and increased foot traffic from visitors in undesignated recreation areas.

The post Increased precipitation, foot traffic pose trail erosion problems at Lake Michigan parks first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/15/increased-precipitation-foot-traffic-pose-trail-erosion-problems-at-lake-michigan-parks/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Echo, Land

By Eric Freedman

A Wisconsin bear hunting guide has been barred for a year from hunting on federal land. Timothy Collar’s crime: illegal bear baiting in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

The post Bear-baiting bear hunting guide hit with hunting ban first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/13/bear-baiting-bear-hunting-guide-hit-with-hunting-ban/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife

By Isabella Figueroa

In his new book “Dead Moose on Isle Royale: Off Trail with the Citizen Scientists of the Wolf-Moose Project," Jeffery Holden turns decades of volunteer field notes and short essays into an off-trail narrative about the people who sustain one of ecology’s longest-running studies. The Wolf-Moose Project at Isle Royale National Park started with scientists from Purdue University, Durward Allen and L. David Mech, in 1958. Since then, volunteers have collected data through on-the-ground fieldwork and built a six-decade record that reveals how climate, disease and food availability shape population cycles.

The post ‘Dig in and get my hands dirty’: New book explores citizen scientists and their contributions to the Wolf-Moose Project first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/13/dig-in-and-get-my-hands-dirty-new-book-explores-citizen-scientists-and-their-contributions-to-the-wolf-moose-project/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Echo, Wildlife

By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
A recent collaborative study, conducted through the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, the College of Menominee Nation in Kenosha, Wisconsin, nine tribal entities and academic researchers to understand how climate change threatens the lake sturgeon and to develop adaptation strategies rooted in tribal knowledge.

The post Western and Indigenous knowledge will help lake sturgeon, study shows  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/08/western-and-indigenous-knowledge-will-help-lake-sturgeon-study-shows/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Echo, Green Gavel, Waste

By Eric Freedman 

 The Michigan Court of Appeals has cleared the city of South Haven of liability in the 2020 drowning of an 18-year-old swimmer at a public beach on the Lake Michigan coast.

The post Michigan court clears South Haven in beach drowning suit  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/05/michigan-court-clears-south-haven-in-beach-drowning-suit/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Echo, transportation

By Clara Lincolnhol   

The Michigan Department of Transportation is developing a plan to potentially construct the state’s fourth passenger rail route. The proposed east-west route would carry passengers across the Lower Peninsula, connecting Holland and Grand Rapids with Detroit.

The post New passenger train route between Holland and Detroit to be explored first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/03/new-passenger-train-route-between-holland-and-detroit-to-be-explored/

Clara Lincolnhol

On:
In: Echo, Nearshore

By Camila Bello Castro 
A Chicago man biked around Lake Michigan in eight days, battling self-doubts and a major thunderstorm and raising $25,000 for the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, which advocates and promotes the credit union movement by providing educational opportunities and consumer awareness. 

The post Man’s ‘Around the Lake in 8 Days’ bike ride raises $25K for charity first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/01/mans-around-the-lake-in-8-days-bike-ride-raises-25k-for-charity/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Land

By Samantha Ku
New federal policy is aimed at addressing the nation’s wildfire crisis by boosting timber production, but some experts say it’s not expected to have a major impact in Michigan. 

The post Federal wildfire policy sparks debate: timber or trees?  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/29/federal-wildfire-policy-sparks-debate-timber-or-trees/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, transportation

By Eric Freedman
Motorcycles and deer don’t mix. And motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to injury or death when they do, according to a recent study of a decade’s worth of crashes in Michigan.

The post Study finds high risk of injury or death in motorcycle-deer collisions  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/27/study-finds-high-risk-of-injury-or-death-in-motorcycle-deer-collisions/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Art, Echo

By Maya Moore 

Blight Hernandez is a master of turning everyday trash into something of value. A Southwest Detroit native, Hernandez has called himself an artist since he was 6. Now a full-time working artist for five years, his sustainable business is called Be The Light. It’s born out of intention and focused on higher consciousness, keeping things out of the landfill, and making things that people love, Hernandez said.

The post The sustainable art of Blight Hernandez: ‘No waste’   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/25/the-sustainable-art-of-blight-hernandez-no-waste/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Echo, transportation

By Eric Freedman 

The iconic Blue Water Bridge has received a clean bill of operational health from the Michigan Auditor General’s Office. Based on its preliminary survey of procurement, fleet vehicles, employee training and toll transactions, the office said it saw no need to do a full performance audit of the bridge’s effectiveness and efficiency.

The post Busy Blue Water Bridge gets positive auditor general report  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/23/busy-blue-water-bridge-gets-positive-auditor-general-report/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Climate, Echo

By Clara Lincolnhol 

Online rumors are swirling that a comet from another solar system might be a UFO — but Michigan State University researchers say that’s pure speculation. It’s definitely a comet, they insist, with no credible reason to believe otherwise. 

The post Scientists debunk UFO claims about rare interstellar comet  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/21/scientists-debunk-ufo-claims-about-rare-interstellar-comet/

Clara Lincolnhol

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife

By Clara Lincolnhol 

Meet former K-9 Maple. She made a big career switch earlier this year—from a human remains detection dog to a beekeeper at Michigan State University’s Pollinator Performance Center. The friendly brown-and-white dog, with a long tongue that hangs out of her mouth, dons her own beekeeping suit and uses her powerful nose to detect American foulbrood -- a bacteria that left undisturbed, means certain death for an entire honeybee colony.

The post Meet Maple: Former K-9 now beekeeper   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/19/meet-maple-former-k-9-now-beekeeper/

Clara Lincolnhol

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife

By Rachel Lewis  

The Michigan Invasive Species Program is asking the public to be on the lookout for the invasive Asian longhorned beetle. The inch-and-a-half long black beetle with white spots and long antennae is known to attack at least 12 species of hardwood trees, including maples, elms, horse chestnuts, birches and willows. Although the beetle has not yet been found in Michigan, the state Department of Natural Resources said the earlier they are found, the easier they are to eradicate.

The post Michigan DNR wants you to look out for invasive Asian longhorned beetle  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/17/michigan-dnr-wants-you-to-look-out-for-invasive-asian-longhorned-beetle/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, solutions

By Donté Smith 

Despite being surrounded by the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, Michigan imports the vast majority of its seafood, between 65% and 90%, according to Michigan Sea Grant. As global aquaculture has grown to meet increasing demand for protein, a small but determined group of inland fish farmers in the Great Lakes region are building a more sustainable, local supply. Researchers say doing so could ease pressure on wild populations, create jobs in rural areas and help restore public trust in the food on their plates. But with high regulatory costs, limited consumer awareness and strong competition from imports, these farms face an uphill swim.

The post How inland fish farmers cultivate a sustainable future for the Great Lakes  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/14/how-inland-fish-farmers-cultivate-a-sustainable-future-for-the-great-lakes/

Donte Smith

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife

By Clara Lincolnhol

One of Michigan’s most rare, iconic and celebrated bird species is the Kirtland’s warbler. Once nearly extinct in the 1970s, decades-long, targeted conservation efforts helped their population rebound. But this year’s census revealed something concerning: a significant drop in warblers– nearly 700 fewer pairs.

The post Iconic Michigan songbird undergoes concerning population decline  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/12/iconic-michigan-songbird-undergoes-concerning-population-decline/

Clara Lincolnhol

On:
In: Art, Echo

By Clara Lincolnhol

You may notice new bright and colorful murals surrounding a number of Mid-Michigan storm drains in your community by the end of this summer.

The post These eye-catching murals are popping up around storm drains— here’s why  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/10/these-eye-catching-murals-are-popping-up-around-storm-drains-heres-why/

Clara Lincolnhol

On:
In: Echo, transportation

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen

The popularity of groups like Wednesday Night Ride, Black Girls Do Bike and Soul Roll is an indicator that Detroit, long known for its ties to the auto industry, is making strides in becoming a cycling destination.  However, Detroit streets remain unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians compared to other cities.

The post Biking booms in the Motor City: More lanes, fun rides — and high fatalities first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/08/biking-booms-in-the-motor-city-more-lanes-fun-rides-and-high-fatalities/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen

For students hoping to become conservation officers for the state Department of Natural Resources -- tasked with enforcing fish, game and natural resource protection laws -- one Northern Michigan University class gives a glimpse into their day-to-day work.

The post Dead deer and small fish: Michigan students learn to investigate poaching  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/06/dead-deer-and-small-fish-michigan-students-learn-to-investigate-poaching/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife

By Rachel Lewis  

The Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians' Natural Resources Department has been working to conserve the threatened wood turtle. Their top team member is Mooz, a 9-year-old labradoodle who has been helping his owner, Bill Parsons, find wood turtles for the past five years.

The post Mooz the dog helps scientists study threatened turtles   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/04/mooz-the-dog-helps-scientists-study-threatened-turtles/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, solutions

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen

In 2023, community organizers from the outdoor Discovery Center, an outdoor education and conservation-focused nonprofit in Holland, Michigan looked for ways to further sustainability efforts in the west Michigan community. This led to a partnership with another local nonprofit to create the Carbon Community Fund, which accepts donations from residents to fund local conservation efforts.

The post Small city’s ‘community carbon fund’ promises hyper-local carbon reduction first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/02/small-citys-community-carbon-fund-promises-hyper-local-carbon-reduction/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, water

By Maya Moore 
If Congress approves President Donald Trump’s proposal to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from the operations and science budget of the U.S. Geological Survey, the scale and intensity of Great Lakes environmental restoration will be significantly diminished, experts say.   Among the programs that could be dismantled entirely is the 70-year-old program to control sea lampreys, an exotic parasitic fish that attacks game fish and has caused billions of dollars in damage to Great Lakes fisheries.

The post Trump’s budget would devastate sea lamprey control in Great Lakes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/26/trumps-budget-would-devastate-sea-lamprey-control-in-great-lakes/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Energy

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen
Michigan's attempt to adopt new home energy efficiency standards is facing more delays because of stiff resistance from homebuilders. The new standards were supposed to go into effect in August but are on hold while a lawsuit filed in June by representatives of the construction industry plays out in court.

The post Michigan home energy efficiency standards stalled amid homebuilders lawsuit first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/24/michigan-home-energy-efficiency-standards-stalled-amid-homebuilders-lawsuit/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife

By Donté Smith 
Butterfly populations are in decline across the continental U.S., dropping by 22% between 2000 and 2020 according to a study in the journal Science. Almost a third of the 342 species studied have seen their numbers fall by more than half.  To help combat that trend, the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, launched its Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program in 2021 to protect the region’s most threatened species.

The post John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/23/john-ball-zoo-fights-for-great-lakes-rarest-butterflies/

Donte Smith

On:
In: Echo, transportation

By Clara Lincolnhol 
On a cool and cloudy summer day, Michigan high school students recently drove the car they’d been engineering for months around the block and parked it in front of the state Capitol. The three wheeled, sharply angled, gray, white and black camo-print car seats two people and is powered by solar-charged batteries.

The post Michigan high schoolers take statewide road trip in solar-powered car   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/21/michigan-high-schoolers-take-statewide-road-trip-in-solar-powered-car/

Clara Lincolnhol

On:
In: Echo, Land

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen 
Lakefront property in Wexford County, 40-plus acres of forested land in the Upper Peninsula and a tiny island sitting in the middle of Lake Ponemah are up for grabs this year. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is auctioning off those and over 100 other “surplus properties” that officials say are better off in private hands, with the proceeds helping the state acquire more useful land.

The post Michigan is selling over 120 plots of land. Why? first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/19/michigan-is-selling-over-120-plots-of-land-why/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Land

By Rachel Lewis 
With summer in full swing, you-pick farms have been seeing customers picking their own fruits and vegetables across the state. From blueberries and strawberries to tomatoes and asparagus, many people have opted for gathering their produce themselves. For some, this food gathering goes beyond the farm. In recent years, many people have been turning to wild berry foraging. Instead of grocery stores, these foragers seek out fresh fruits, nuts and herbs from local hiking trails or even off the side of the road.

The post Wild berry foraging gains popularity first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/17/wild-berry-foraging-gains-popularity/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Waste

By Rachel Lewis 
Michigan environmental officials found 1,4-dioxane, a toxic chemical, in six residential water wells in Scio Township during annual state testing. The dioxane, coming from the Gelman Plume, ranged between 0.33 to 0.86 parts per billion (ppb), well under the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) drinking water limit of 7.2 ppb. Although the state says the water is safe, some advocates for a more aggressive plume cleanup say the new detection suggests the plume is moving north. They say it could be dangerous if it reaches Barton Pond, Ann Arbor’s main water source.

The post Toxic chemical from Gelman Plume found in water wells in Scio Township, Michigan  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/16/toxic-chemical-from-gelman-plume-found-in-water-wells-in-scio-township-michigan/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, solutions

By Rachel Lewis  
With the goal of cutting food waste by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030, The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has been helping to fund NextCycle Michigan. This program gives grants and advice to small companies in the state looking to reduce food waste. One of these start-ups is Penny Pickup. With robot food delivery vehicles becoming more popular, the company Orange Sparkle Ball decided to launch Penny Pickup as a pickup service, instead of delivery. Its focus is to remove trash and unwanted items, primarily food waste.

The post Nonprofits and robots help reduce food waste first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/14/nonprofits-and-robots-help-reduce-food-waste/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, solutions

By Rachel Lewis
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission will receive a $2.1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to address the invasive sea lamprey in the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The post EPA grant will fund barrier to stop spread of sea lamprey in Grand River  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/12/epa-grant-will-fund-barrier-to-stop-spread-of-sea-lamprey-in-grand-river/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, solutions

By Donté Smith 
The Great Lakes, a vital freshwater expanse for millions, face an ongoing environmental crisis. Beneath the vast waters lies a significant threat: pollution stemming largely from agricultural runoff. This flow of excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen contributes to harmful algal blooms and expanding “dead zones,” jeopardizing ecosystems, water quality and public health across the region. Amidst these challenges, Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea, Michigan, works to make a positive impact on the region. Tom McKernan, sanctuary co-founder and operations director, wants the farm to stand as a living model where animal welfare and ecological stewardship aren’t just compatible, but linked.

The post Empowering environmental stewardship: Barn sanctuary champions compassion and Conservation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/10/empowering-environmental-stewardship-barn-sanctuary-champions-compassion-and-conservation/

Donte Smith

On:
In: Echo, Land

By Grace Jenkins Indiana Dunes National Park is among the country’s five “lesser known national parks to add to your bucket list,” according to National Geographic.  With 2.7 million visitors in 2023, the park ranks 36th in attendance among 393 national parks, monuments and historic sites. Credited for its striking plant and bird diversity, the […]

The post National Geographic spotlights ‘lesser known’ Indiana Dunes National Park first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/09/24/national-geographic-spotlights-lesser-known-indiana-dunes-national-park/

Grace Jenkins

On:
In: Echo

By Eric Freedman A Detroit-built sailing ship that sank in Lake Michigan during an 1864 storm has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The three-masted Mojave, only 1 year old at the time, went down in heavy weather while northbound on the route from Chicago to Buffalo with a load of grain. […]

The post Ship doomed on Lake Michigan now moored on National Register of Historic Places first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/07/16/ship-doomed-on-lake-michigan-now-moored-on-national-register-of-historic-places/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Catch of the Day, Echo

Ten Great Lakes Echo reporters recently scored honors in the 2023 Michigan Press Association’s College Better Newspaper Contest. 

They were recognized in nine categories. The environmental publication swept two categories - feature story and column-review - and won the open categories for best writer and best multi-media story.

The post Michigan Press Association honors Echo reporters first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/03/15/great-lakes-echo-reporters-honored-with-michigan-press-association-awards/

Shealyn Paulis

On:
In: Commentary, Echo

Reporting on environmental problems and controversies remains a perilous endeavor, as demonstrated by a series of incidents around the globe.

Journalists are physically assaulted, jailed, interrogated by police, kidnapped, fired, sued for libel, harassed and even murdered for seeking to expose environmental crimes

The post Environmental journalism danger commentary first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/01/31/environmental-journalism-danger-commentary/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Echo

Michigan’s population is less healthy than the national average, ranking below most other states, including its Midwestern neighbors, in premature death rates, infant mortality rates and access to health care. 

The post State’s public health ranks low, study finds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/16/states-public-health-ranks-low-study-finds/

Guest Contributor

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In: Echo

Lianne Leddy grew up with stories of the uranium mining that poisoned her Anishinaabek community in Ontario.

Now, she’s retelling these stories through Serpent River Resurgence, her new book based on documents and interviews from family and friends who lived through the environmental crisis.

The post Serpent River Resurgence documents uranium pollution of First Nation community first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/03/serpent-river-resurgence-documents-uranium-pollution-of-first-nation-community/

Daniel Schoenherr