On:
In: Authors, Connect, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, invasive species, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Rouge River oxbow enhances education at The Henry Ford

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit PBS.

In the 1960s, an oxbow was eliminated in the lower Rouge River when a concrete channel was built to move stormwater out of the watershed.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/great-lakes-moment-rouge-river-oxbow-enhances-education-the-henry-ford/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Authors, Detroit, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
How Ducks Unlimited Became Heroes of the Conservation Movement

In the Great Lakes region alone, Ducks Unlimited (DU) has been involved in hundreds of projects in the past decade that involve either the conservation of wetlands through acquisition, or the restoration and management of wetlands. These projects — always in concert with public and private partners, universities and other organizations — seek to establish or conserve the maximum amount of acreage possible with available funds.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/01/how-ducks-unlimited-became-heroes-of-the-conservation-movement/

James Proffitt, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Authors, Detroit, Feature Homepage, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Connecting people to nature through The Great Lakes Way

A recent Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan report documents substantial progress in creating The Great Lakes Way — an interconnected set of greenways and water trails stretching from Port Huron, Michigan on southern Lake Huron to Toledo, Ohio on western Lake Erie.

In 2000, the Community Foundation polled metropolitan Detroit communities about obstacles to building greenways.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/01/great-lakes-moment-connecting-people-to-nature-through-the-great-lakes-way/

John Hartig

On:
In: Authors, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Lisa John Rogers, New York, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
5 Reasons to Build a Backyard Frog Pond

Great Lakes Now recently sat down with Margot Fass of the non-profit group, A Frog House. Located in Pittsfield, New York on the banks of the Erie Canal and on the edge of the Lake Ontario sub-basin. A Frog House helps to encourage ecological education, local advocacy and collaboration around clean water and thriving wetlands.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/5-reasons-to-build-a-backyard-frog-pond/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Authors, Climate change, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Sacred Grounds

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit PBS.

In the era of climate change, many Detroit homes and churches face challenging stormwater fees.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/11/great-lakes-moment-sacred-grounds/

John Hartig

On:
In: Climate change, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Elk Rapids wants to help its shoreline through new state Climate Corps program

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership with IPR and Grist, a nonprofit independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future.

Elk Rapids is surrounded by water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2024/01/elk-rapids-wants-to-help-its-shoreline-through-new-state-climate-corps-program/

Interlochen Public Radio

On:
In: Authors, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Gary Wilson, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetland, wetland restoration
Landmark Great Lakes coastal wetland program continues restoration drive that began in 2010

It was 2010 when after a decade of lobbying by Great Lakes advocates, federal funding in the U.S. to restore the Great Lakes began to flow to the tune of $475 million.  

Beneath the radar in that first year, Central Michigan University received $10 million to lead a team of regional scientists who would study coastal wetlands that had been severely degraded over time.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/06/landmark-great-lakes-coastal-wetland-program-continues-restoration-drive-that-began-in-2010/

Gary Wilson

On:
In: Authors, Books, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, Hamilton, History and Culture, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Ontario, Research, Data and Technology, restoration, Science, Technology, Research, Sharon Oosthoek, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wisconsin
Book Club: Celebrating environmental success stories in the Great Lakes

In his book “Great Lakes Champions: Grassroots Efforts to Clean Up Polluted Watersheds,” John Hartig looks at how 14 Great Lakes residents are working to restore some of the region’s most degraded areas. While significant challenges remain, there is much to celebrate, including the return of sentinel fish and wildlife species, lower contaminant levels in fish and wildlife populations, and greater public access to these waters.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/05/book-club-celebrating-environmental-success-stories-in-the-great-lakes/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: Algae Blooms, Authors, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, ice, ice cover, John Hartig, Latest News, News, Ontario, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Decreasing Great Lakes ice cover has consequences

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that February 2023 was Earth’s fourth-warmest on record.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/04/great-lakes-moment-decreasing-great-lakes-ice-cover-consequences/

John Hartig

On:
In: artificial reefs, Collaboration, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, History and Culture, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, shipwrecks, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Artificial reefs bring wild lake trout to Lake Huron

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Daniel Schoenherr, Great Lakes Echo

The ecological success of artificial reefs in Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay could teach people how to restore fish populations across the world.

Ellen Marsden, a fisheries and wildlife expert from the University of Vermont, spearheaded the construction of 29 reefs built with small stones – cobble aggregate – in Thunder Bay in 2010.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/03/artificial-reefs-bring-wild-lake-trout-to-lake-huron/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, restoration, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Multi-million dollar restoration projects proposed for the Saginaw Bay watershed; paid with settlement money from corporate polluters

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/03/restoration-projects-proposed-saginaw-bay-watershed-settlement-money-corporate-polluters/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Authors, community, conservation, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Region, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: The event that saved Humbug Marsh

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

On that September day in 1998, more than 1,000 rain-soaked and determined people stood up for what they felt was right.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/03/great-lakes-moment-the-event-that-saved-humbug-marsh/

John Hartig

On:
In: Algae Blooms, AP, Climate change, ecosystems, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, habitat, Habitat Restoration, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Scientists: Atmospheric carbon might turn lakes more acidic

By John Flesher, Associated Press

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The Great Lakes have endured a lot the past century, from supersized algae blobs to invasive mussels and bloodsucking sea lamprey that nearly wiped out fish populations.

Now, another danger: They — and other big lakes around the world — might be getting more acidic, which could make them less hospitable for some fish and plants.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/01/ap-atmospheric-carbon-lakes-more-acidic/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Authors, birds, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Region, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: The Great Blue Herons of Stony Island

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Have you ever gone for a peaceful walk along a creek or lake and been spooked by the sound of what you think is a pterodactyl?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/01/great-lakes-moment-great-blue-herons-stony-island/

John Hartig

On:
In: AP, Chicago, Climate change, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Research, Data and Technology, rewilding, Science, Technology, Research, urban areas, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wildlife
Extinctions, shrinking habitat spur ‘rewilding’ in cities

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

DETROIT (AP) — In a bustling metro area of 4.3 million people, Yale University wildlife biologist Nyeema Harris ventures into isolated thickets to study Detroit’s most elusive residents — coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks among them.

Harris and colleagues have placed trail cameras in woodsy sections of 25 city parks for the past five years.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/12/ap-extinctions-shrinking-habitat-spur-rewilding-in-cities/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Authors, ecology, Education, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Research, Research, Data and Technology, restoration, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, watersheds, Wildlife
Great Lakes Moment: New video game teaches watershed management

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Today, many educators are experimenting with unique forms of instruction to increase student engagement in the classroom and encourage critical thinking.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/11/great-lakes-moment-video-game-teaches-watershed-management/

John Hartig

On:
In: Algae Blooms, algal blooms, Budget, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Some Republicans, Democrats, environmentalists, hunters, anglers, and birders all want the same thing: more wetlands

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/11/republicans-democrats-environmentalists-more-wetlands/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Authors, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, History and Culture, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Region, restoration, rouge river, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Rouge River Revived

Editor’s Note: Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television. This month’s article is a combination of excerpts and a preview of his new book, “Rouge River Revived: How People are Bringing Their River Back to Life,” which chronicles how citizens are leading an effort to restore their river in metropolitan Detroit.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/10/great-lakes-moment-rouge-river-revived/

John Hartig

On:
In: birds, Climate change, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, great lakes moment, Habitat Restoration, herring gull, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, lake erie, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, st. lawrence river, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Chemical contaminant in St. Lawrence River herring gull eggs traced to Detroit River

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

A class of chemical compounds that are no longer produced in significant quantities nor being used in the manufacture of new products, called polychlorinated naphthalenes, or PCNs, has been found in herring gull eggs in the St.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/09/great-lakes-moment-herring-gull-eggs-detroit-river/

John Hartig

On:
In: Climate change, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, invasive species, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, mussels, News, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: The imperiled mussels of the Detroit River

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Native freshwater mussels have experienced dramatic population declines in the Great Lakes due to habitat degradation, water pollution and the introduction of invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/great-lakes-moment-mussels-detroit-river/

John Hartig

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, birds, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, endangered species, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Endangered piping plovers are recovering but still need human help

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/endangered-piping-plovers-need-human-help/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, History and Culture, John Hartig, lake erie, Lake Huron, Latest News, Michigan, News, plants, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Wildlife
Great Lakes Moment: Rewilding Metropolitan Detroit

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

The practice of rewilding is frequently carried out in wilderness areas, but cities like Detroit are beginning to reintroduce native species of plants and animals to enhance biodiversity and reap all the benefits of making nature part of everyday urban life.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/great-lakes-moment-rewilding-metropolitan-detroit/

John Hartig

On:
In: Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, invasive species, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands, Wisconsin
Rising water makes Lake Michigan wetlands vulnerable to invaders

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Caroline Miller, Great Lakes Echo

High water and ice scouring has shifted native wetlands inland and opened a door to invasive species along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan coast.

A new study documents the first sighting of the invasive species, European frogbit, in Wisconsin and says that it could threaten native plants, fish and invertebrates.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/rising-water-lake-michigan-wetlands-invaders/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: detroit river, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, lake erie, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, Ontario, otters, Protect, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, watershed, Wildlife
River otters return to the Detroit River

On the cool morning of April 25, doctoral student Eric Ste Marie from the University of Windsor’s department of integrative biology went out for a walk with his partner along the Detroit River prior to an anticipated long day in his lab. Much to his surprise, he saw an animal pop its head out of the water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/river-otters-detroit-river/

John Hartig

On:
In: AP, canada, Climate change, Fish, Birds and Animals, habitat, Habitat Restoration, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wildlife
Canada lynx protections deal sealed by US, environmentalists

By Matthew Brown, Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. wildlife officials have agreed to craft a new habitat plan for the snow-loving Canada lynx that could include more land in Colorado and other western states where the rare animals would be protected, according to a legal agreement made public Tuesday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/04/ap-canada-lynx-protections-deal/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, dam, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, kalamazoo river, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, The States, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan sues dam owner over sediment in Kalamazoo River

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state of Michigan sued the owner and operator of a hydroelectric dam, alleging that its mismanaged drawdown of a lake to do repairs created sediment that has choked a 30-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo River, impeded recreational use and threatened public safety.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/ap-dam-owner-sediment-kalamazoo-river/

The Associated Press

On:
In: AP, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Hunting, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Wildlife, wolves
Judge restores protections for gray wolves across much of US

By Matthew Brown and John Flesher, Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont (AP) — A judge restored federal protections for gray wolves across much of the U.S. on Thursday, after their removal in the waning days of the Trump administration exposed the predators to hunting that critics said would undermine their rebound from widespread extermination early last century.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/02/ap-judge-protections-gray-wolves/

The Associated Press

On:
In: biden administration, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, endangered species, fish and wildlife service, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Protect, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
A small, red-bellied snake might be reconsidered for protection under the Endangered Species Act

By Lester Graham, Michigan Radio

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/red-bellied-snake-endangered/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Lake Ontario, Latest News, News, Research, science, Science, Technology, Research, Toronto
The next source of trouble for Great Lakes fish populations: tires

For 20 years, the mystery behind what was killing coho salmon in Seattle’s urban creeks seemed unsolvable.  

Every time it rained, fish would begin swimming in circles, floating belly up just a few hours later. Scientists looked at heavy metals, various chemical contaminants, water temperature and oxygen levels, but none of these things were the problem.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/great-lakes-fish-populations-tires/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: birds, conservation, endangered species, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Great Lakes Moment: Kirtland’s warblers are thriving in Michigan

Once living on the brink of extinction, the Kirtland’s warbler is now thriving thanks to collaborative conservation efforts. 

The Kirtland’s warbler is one of the largest and rarest songbirds in North America. This handsome yellow-and-gray warbler is named for Dr. Jared Kirtland, on whose farm near Cleveland, Ohio, the first specimen was collected in 1851.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/01/great-lakes-moment-warblers/

John Hartig

On:
In: birds, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, New York, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Protect, Research, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Banned decades ago, PCBs still posing threat to wildlife

By Michael Casey, Associated Press

HOLDERNESS, N.H. (AP) — Navigating her boat toward a wooden platform floating in an idyllic New Hampshire lake where “On Golden Pond” was filmed, biologist Tiffany Grade spotted what she had feared.

An olive brown loon’s egg with black speckles was sitting on an nest, abandoned by its parents and with no chance to hatch.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-pcbs-threat-wildlife/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Chicago, conservation, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, Illinois, Indiana, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Protect, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands, Wisconsin
Great Lakes Moment: Small habitat patches can have big ecological impact

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television. 

Contradicting the historical conservation planning tenet that gave preference to protecting larger, more intact areas, a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science has shown that small, isolated patches of habitat are inordinately important for biodiversity conservation.  

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/small-habitat-patches-ecological-impact/

John Hartig

On:
In: Advocacy, AP, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, News, plastic, Protect, recycling, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Science report: US should make less plastic to save oceans

By Seth Borenstein, Associated Press

America needs to rethink and reduce the way it generates plastics because so much of the material is littering the oceans and other waters, the National Academy of Sciences says in a new report.

The United States, the world’s top plastics waste producer, generates more than 46 million tons (42 million metric tons) a year, and about 2.2 billion pounds (1 million metric tons) ends up in the world’s oceans, according to the academy’s report.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/12/ap-science-report-plastic-oceans/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Michigan, News, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, river ecosystems, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Climate Change Grips Trout Streams Across the Nation: How Anglers Are Responding

By Laura Gersony, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/climate-change-trout-streams-nation-anglers/

Circle of Blue

On:
In: cleanup, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, John Hartig, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Lessons from the Ashtabula River cleanup

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

When the Ashtabula River and Harbor was identified as a Great Lakes pollution hotspot, or Area of Concern, in 1985, few people thought the day would ever come when it was cleaned up and no longer a detriment to the community and Lake Erie.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/great-lakes-moment-lessons-ashtabula-cleanup/

John Hartig

On:
In: Budget, Climate change, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Illinois, Indiana, Latest News, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, News, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Bridge Over Warming Water: Grants fund fish habitat conservation projects around the Great Lakes

Rivers, streams and lakes are warming, casting a dark shadow on the future of coldwater fish in the Great Lakes region. To save them, state and federal agencies around the Great Lakes are investing millions in these fish.

Currently, the Great Lakes are home to coldwater fish like ciscoes, walleyes, suckers, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon and coho salmon.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/warming-water-grant-programs-fish-habitat-conservation/

Rachel Duckett

On:
In: birds, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, habitat, Habitat Restoration, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science
Side by Side: The biggest challenge for birds is cohabiting with humans

North America has 3 billion fewer birds today than five decades ago, according to a recent scientific study.

That loss equates to more than a quarter of the continent’s entire bird population, and the research documenting the decline has shown that it may be worse than first realized.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/north-america-bird-population-habitat/

Natasha Blakely

On:
In: Detroit, detroit river, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, history, History and Culture, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, sugar island
Great Lakes Moment: Sugar Island is getting an ecological makeover

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

Sugar Island sits like a gemstone on a jeweled necklace of islands surrounding the southern end of Grosse Ile – the largest island in the Detroit River.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/sugar-island-history-habitat-restoration/

John Hartig

On:
In: Collaboration, culture, Habitat Restoration, history, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Wisconsin
Ancient human remains unearthed at proposed Kohler golf course site in Wisconsin

This article, first posted here, was republished with permission from Wisconsin Watch.

By Jim Malewitz, Wisconsin Watch

Archeologists have unearthed human remains of Native Americans who lived up to 2,500 years ago during excavations of the Sheboygan County site along Lake Michigan where Kohler Co.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ancient-human-remains-kohler-golf-course-wisconsin/

Wisconsin Watch

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, dunes, Feature Homepage, Forests and Plants, Habitat Restoration, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, outdoor recreation, Recreation and Tourism, shoreline erosion, Tourism, Waterfront Development, wetlands, Wisconsin
Dune Dispute: Wisconsin Lake Michigan shoreline threatened by adjacent golf course development

A Wisconsin State Park bordering the shoreline of Lake Michigan is teeming with dunes, preserved wetlands and protected plant species. It’s a great view – making it an ideal neighbor for a new golf resort that one of the state’s manufacturing giants has been fighting for years to build.

Kohler-Andre State Park is located in Sheboygan County and comprised of two state parks, Terry Andrae State Park and John Michael Kohler State Park.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/wisconsin-lake-michigan-dune-shoreline-golf-course-development/

John McCracken

On:
In: AP, Habitat Restoration, Lake Michigan, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism
Conservation corridor planned for Michigan’s western UP

MICHIGAMME TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A conservation corridor with links to existing protected areas is planned for a remote region in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula.

The nonprofit Nature Conservancy said the 6,172-acre (2,497-hectare) Wilderness Lakes Reserve in the Michigamme Highlands area is being expanded by 4,854 acres (1,964 hectares) of forest and wetlands.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-conservation-corridor-planned-michigan/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Environmental Justice, Equity and Environmental Justice, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Great Lakes Moment: The US-Canada ecosystem-focused approach to restoration

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

The United States and Canada now have over 40 years of collaborative history in use of an ecosystem approach to protect and restore the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/international-ecoystem-approach-restoration-great-lakes/

John Hartig

On:
In: birds, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, James Proffitt, lake erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, New York, News, Ohio
Habitat Focus: To help the birds, nonprofit organization looks to Great Lakes habitats

There’s a bird emergency in the Great Lakes region, according to the National Audubon Society, but the nonprofit bird conservation organization is hoping to change that.

“This really is a bird emergency,” said Nat Miller, Audubon Great Lakes’ director of conservation. “We don’t think that’s hyperbole. As often is the case, birds currently serve as an indicator for larger environmental problems and today they’re telling us it’s a critical time now to act to save the wildlife, water and way of life in the Great Lakes region.”

In an effort to reduce this alarming trend, scientists and conservationists with The National Audubon Society recently released a wide-ranging and comprehensive blueprint to address climate change, pollution and other detrimental man-made effects on Great Lakes wetlands and coastal areas – and their bird populations.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/birds-wetlands-coastal-great-lakes-habitat-restoration/

James Proffitt

On:
In: AP, Climate change, Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, News
Protected areas cover a sixth of Earth’s land and freshwater

By Christina Larson, AP Science Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Roughly a sixth of the planet’s land and freshwater area now lies within protected or conservation areas, according to a United Nations report released Wednesday.

Next comes the hard part. The world needs to ensure that those regions are actually effectively managed to stabilize the climate and to curb biodiversity loss while also increasing the total area of protected places, scientists say.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/ap-protected-areas-sixth-earth-land-freshwater/

The Associated Press

On:
In: detroit river, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ohio, recreational fishing, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Great Lakes Moment: Walleye frenzy on the Detroit River

Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television.

As daylight lengthens and water temperatures slowly begin to warm, walleye overwintering in Lake Erie take their cue that it is time to spawn.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/walleye-frenzy-detroit-river/

John Hartig

On:
In: AP, epa, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, Michigan, New York, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
EPA awards Great Lakes grants to Central Michigan, Clarkson

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded grants to Central Michigan University and Clarkson University to continue monitoring coastal wetlands and fish contaminants throughout the Great Lakes basin.

Central Michigan will receive $10 million to monitor approximately 1,000 wetlands over the next five years.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-epa-great-lakes-grants-central-michigan-clarkson/

The Associated Press

On:
In: animals, Art, birds, Books, Authors, Art and Music, culture, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, History and Culture, James Proffitt, Latest News, News, Ohio, Recreation and Tourism, recreational hunting, Recreational Hunting and Fishing
Duck Stamp: Little stamp has big impacts in the Great Lakes and nationwide

Waterfowl hunters began buying them nearly a century ago. Just after that, collectors joined the fun.

Since its inception in 1934 when Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law, the duck stamp (as it’s commonly known) has garnered more than $1 billion for habitat conservation in the national wildlife refuge system.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/duck-stamp-impacts-great-lakes-nationwide-refuge/

James Proffitt

On:
In: Agriculture, animals, birds, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Climate change, Collaboration, Drinking Water, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
Wetlands can help prevent property damage and save lives during floods

Last year when the Midland dams gave way, more than 21 billion gallons of water rushed into the Tittabawassee River. More than three and a quarter billion gallons of that ended up in the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/wetlands-property-damage-save-lives-floods/

Michigan Radio

On:
In: Collaboration, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, green infrastructure, Habitat Restoration, infrastructure, Latest News, Michigan, News, St. Mary's River, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
University gives St. Marys River clean, green boost

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Taylor Haelterman, Great Lakes Echo

High school students, community groups and Lake Superior State University will use landscaping this summer to reduce pollution flowing into the St. Marys River.

The project recently received $250,000 from the United States Forest Service as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program that protects Great Lakes drinking water and habitat.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/university-st-marys-river-clean-green-boost/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Detroit, Events and Special Broadcasts, Great Lakes Now Watch Parties, Habitat Restoration, Lake St. Clair, rouge river, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Watch Party: Coastal Wetlands, Part 1

Coastal wetlands have largely disappeared in many areas surrounding the Great Lakes. But in this Facebook Watch Party, originally broadcast live on Friday, Feb.5, 2021, learn more about restoration projects on Lake St. Clair and on the Rouge River in metro Detroit.

This watch party is part of an ongoing series of “first Friday” events, co-hosted by Great Lakes Now, the Belle Isle Conservancy and WDET-FM 101.9, Detroit public radio.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/02/watch-party-coastal-wetlands-part-1/

GLN Editor