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In: Commentary, Recreation

“Place both feet on the ground and take a moment to breathe,” said Malaika Hart Gilpin, executive director of One Art Community Center. “Give ourselves a moment to feel a connection with Mama Earth.” 

Chairs and floor slightly vibrate in response. After a short meditation, the reporters attending a recent Society of Environmental Journalists conference in Philadelphia open their eyes.

The post Reporting on local food systems first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/04/26/reporting-on-local-food-systems/

Vladislava Sukhanovskaya

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In: Recreation

Precision agriculture technology has been evolving over the past decades, and farming has become more productive and efficient with the further implementation of artificial intelligence.

A 2023 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found only 27% of farms and ranches nationally used such precision agriculture practices, but the rate was around 40% in Michigan.

The post High tech, AI, boost farm productivity, earnings first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/03/19/high-tech-ai-boost-farm-productivity-earnings/

Guest Contributor

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In: Recreation

When even the slightest amount of mercury enters a fish’s body, it can begin a long cycle that ends in disaster for aquatic wildlife and health concerns for humans, experts say.

That’s because mercury, an element often produced as a byproduct of mining and fossil fuel production, never breaks down or leaves an organism’s body.

The post Michigan hasn’t updated list of dangerous toxins in nearly 20 years. That might change first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/03/12/michigan-hasnt-updated-list-of-dangerous-toxins-in-nearly-20-years-that-might-change/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Recreation

As the winter progresses, food banks and other nonprofit organizations continue to tackle the increasing demand to alleviate hunger in Michigan.

One in nine people in the state faced hunger as of 2021, requiring $696 million more per year to meet their food needs

The post Food banks face crunch as demand rises first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/02/12/food-banks-face-crunch-as-demand-rises/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Environmental Justice, outdoor recreation, Recreation

The founder of a company that uses drones to recover deer carcasses that hunters cannot find says that Michigan’s prohibition of the practice violates his First Amendment rights. 

The suit questions one of the core principles of hunting and fishing in the United States, some experts say.

The post Lawsuit could complicate drone laws for Michigan hunters and anglers. first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/01/09/lawsuit-could-complicate-drone-laws-for-michigan-hunters-and-anglers/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Recreation

For outdoor recreation enthusiasts, the colder weather heralds the arrival of snow sports.

One of the more popular winter recreation sports is skiing, with over 2 million skiers visiting Michigan slopes every year, according to Pure Michigan, the state’s tourism and information agency.

The post Michigan snowsports organization promotes outdoor recreation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/12/20/michigan-snowsports-organization-promotes-outdoor-recreation/

Guest Contributor

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In: Recreation

Guinness World Records recently announced that the world’s new hottest pepper is a veggie known as Pepper X, grown by Puckerbutt Pepper Co. of Fort Mill, South Carolina.

But Ryan Karcher, a veteran pepper grower from Howell, Michigan, is contesting Pepper X’s spice and flavor with his own pepper. It will be featured in a January 22 television show called Superhot: The Spicy World of Pepper People. 

The post Pepper wars: Michigan grower disputes Pepper X’s record for world’s hottest pepper; says his may be hotter first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/12/14/pepper-wars-michigan-grower-disputes-pepper-xs-record-for-worlds-hottest-pepper-says-his-may-be-hotter/

Daniel Schoenherr

On:
In: Recreation

Residents of three agricultural counties in the Thumb have a disproportionately high rate of colorectal cancer, including a higher death rate from the disease, according to a new study.

Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

The post Thumb counties hit by high colorectal cancer rates first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/11/30/thumb-counties-hit-by-high-colorectal-cancer-rates/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: Recreation

The world of collegiate sports is ever-growing as new sports come into the spotlight, but one is emerging that might be a surprise – bass fishing.

“We just have all kinds of sports that are maybe off the beaten path, but have a strong following,” he said.

The post Small college uses niche sport to boost enrollment first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/19/small-college-uses-niche-sport-to-boost-enrollment/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Recreation, solutions

The heaviest thing that he has found is a full-sized safe in the Rouge River in Delray, Michigan, taking seven people with magnets and hooks to pull it out.

The post Michigan’s Magnet Man attracts river trash first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/03/09/michigans-magnet-man-attracts-river-trash/

Vladislava Sukhanovskaya

On:
In: podcast, Recreation

People need access to nature, and they need access within reaching distance of their homes, whether it's a walk or a bike because that helps with mental health and connection to community.

The post Greenspace starts with grassroots first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/02/17/greenspace-starts-with-grassroots-2/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: podcast, Recreation

The program offers free seven-day entry passes for state parks. The passes can be checked out from participating local libraries and eliminate the cost associated with entering state parks. 

The post Free library program increases access to Minnesota state parks first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/02/14/free-library-program-increases-access-to-minnesota-state-parks/

Guest Contributor

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In: Authors, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Feature Homepage, Ian Solomon, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, upper peninsula, winter
Ian Outside: Winning winter

Editor’s Note: Look for coverage of Great Lakes recreation and adventure in this new monthly feature. The author, Ian Solomon, founded Amplify Outside, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access and representation by Black people in the outdoors, starting in the Great Lakes region. Find more about him HERE.

As the age old saying goes, “you never know what you have until it’s gone.” And while winter is technically here, the season we knew as children seems long gone.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/01/ian-outside-winning-winter/

Ian Solomon

On:
In: Recreation

In addition, the pandemic sparked individual decisions to spend more time outside.

The post National park attendance, student activities, reflect outdoor habits adopted in the pandemic first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/01/24/national-park-attendance-student-activities-reflect-outdoor-habits-adopted-in-the-pandemic/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: lighthouse, Monuments, National Parks, Recreation

As noted in the nomination, the lighthouse represents four areas of significance: its maritime history, architecture, engineering and transportation. 

The post Wisconsin lighthouse added to the National Register of Historic Places first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/01/12/wisconsin-lighthouse-added-to-the-national-register-of-historic-places/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Nearshore, Recreation, Surfing, winterstorm

On Christmas Eve, up to 20-foot waves are expected on all five of the Great Lakes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns of high winds, big waves and freezing spray across all coastlines. 

The post Joyous Noel: Great Lakes’ great waves give surfers a gift first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/12/23/joyous-noel-great-lakes-great-waves-give-surfers-a-gift/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Echo, Recreation

Rock climbing might be a new tool for conserving the public land that bolsters Michigan’s annual $20 billion tourism industry. The sport is gaining traction as outdoor enthusiasts look to experience nature differently, especially after indoor climbing gyms closed during the pandemic. 

The post A growing fad in the “flat” Midwest: Rock climbing. first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/21/a-growing-fad-in-the-flat-midwest-rock-climbing/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Echo, Recreation

The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been accepted into the International Dark-Sky Association, the third dark sky park in the state. Such areas are becoming more popular in the United States as people become more interested in ecotourism experiences.

The post Northern Michigan resort promotes dark skies first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/18/northern-michigan-resort-promotes-dark-skies/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Echo, Recreation

The National Park Foundation has given $1.7 million to 41 nonprofits across the country, including in the Great Lake Basin states, to help parks meet their current needs and become stronger and more resilient in the future.

The post National Park Foundation boosts North Country Trail hikers, Minnesota students first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/24/national-park-foundation-boosts-north-country-trail-hikers-minnesota-students/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Commentary, Echo, Michigan, Recreation

Located on a strip of land that separates two of Michigan’s largest lakes, Elk and Torch, Maplehurst Natural Area is an unexpected delight to anybody who stumbles across it. The former summer camp is now a protected area of land thanks to a collaboration between Milton Township and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

The post Camp Maplehurst’s enduring legacy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/30/camp-maplehursts-enduring-legacy/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Food, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Sandra Svoboda, Toronto, Tourism
Detroit and Toronto among Time Magazine’s “50 Greatest Places”

Two Great Lakes cities are among “The World’s 50 Greatest Places of 2022” as compiled by Time magazine.

Detroit and Toronto made the list along with destinations on all the continents and in outer space. The magazine said the list came from its “international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those (destinations) offering new and exciting experiences.”

What puts these key Great Lakes cities in such company?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/detroit-toronto-time-50-greatest-places/

Sandra Svoboda

On:
In: AP, Beaches, Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Lake Michigan, Latest News, News, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Tourism, Wisconsin
Wisconsin court bats down challenge to Kohler golf course

By Harm Venhuizen, Associated Press/Report for America

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservatives on the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled June 30 that a conservation group couldn’t challenge an agency’s decision to sell state park land for the construction of a high-end golf course along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Opponents said the ruling will make it much harder for the public to challenge decisions of state agencies.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/ap-wisconsin-court-kohler-golf-course/

The Associated Press

On:
In: Michigan, Recreation, Wildlife

Starting this year, hunters in Michigan will have to report their deer harvest online. Wildlife officials presented the plan to the state Natural Resources Commission and said online reporting will provide more accurate information about what kinds of deer are being taken and provide it more quickly.

The post Deer kill count moves online first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/07/deer-kill-count-moves-online/

Guest Contributor

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In: Commentary, Recreation, Wildlife

Academic research increasingly documents how interaction with green space has a positive impact on mental health. But not everybody has access to quality green space.

The post Commentary: A green outlook on mental health is a privilege not all can access first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/11/commentary-a-green-outlook-on-mental-health-is-a-privilege-not-all-can-access/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Commentary, Echo, Recreation

There are debates on social media about the harm of disclosing favorite hiking locations: Does sharing favorite locations on social media cause more harm than good? Turns out, there's a lot to consider.

The post Commentary: Does social media threaten our special places? first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/28/commentary-does-social-media-threaten-our-special-places/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Climate change, Commentary, Echo, Recreation

Suburban ponds are experiencing ecosystem changes due to fertilizers, lawn treatments, and human waste and population. Climate change could also play a role.

The post Commentary: Suburban ponds threaten dog walkers and water quality first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/26/commentary-suburban-ponds-threaten-dog-walkers-and-water-quality/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Echo, Recreation, water

The lifeguard shortage is expected to continue this summer, leading many local recreation leaders to combat inadequate staffing with increased wages or other incentives.

The post Lifeguard staffing struggles to stay afloat in 2022 first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/14/lifeguard-staffing-struggles-to-stay-afloat-in-2022/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Capital News Service, Great Lakes, Recreation

After a two-year hiatus, Great Lakes cruise ships are back, and the industry is trying to prepare itself. Cruise companies will start expeditions in May and end them in October.

The post Cruise ships return to the Great Lakes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/13/cruise-ships-return-to-the-great-lakes/

Guest Contributor

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In: Recreation

Some trails break out of the woods at a lake. Some climb a dune to a sweeping view. And many – more than you probably thought – lead to a shipwreck with a story on a beach. 

The post Shoreline shipwreck viewing predicted to be excellent first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/11/shoreline-shipwreck-viewing-predicted-to-be-excellent/

Guest Contributor

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In: Echo, golf, Recreation

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there wasn’t much for many people to do other than sit at home. But as restrictions slowly lifted toward the end of spring 2020, many people turned, or returned, to a popular sport – golf – to fill their time. Since then, its popularity has increased. 

The post Golf management jobs on upswing first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/04/golf-management-jobs-on-upswing/

Guest Contributor

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In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, community, Feature Homepage, lake erie, Lake Ontario, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Sharon Oosthoek, sports, Toronto, Tourism
Surfing the Great Lakes: ‘What? People do that here?’

On a cool fall day in 2007, Robin Pacquing slipped on a wetsuit, grabbed a surfboard and headed into Lake Ontario.

As a teenager, Pacquing had been a huge Baywatch fan and learned to love surfing during a family trip to Hawaii. As an adult, she went on to surf the waves off Tofino, British Colombia, never dreaming she might do the same just outside her door.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/surfing-great-lakes/

Sharon Oosthoek

On:
In: Recreation

New legislation in Ontario can result in a fine if boats are not cleaned properly when they are moved from one body of water and into another. Boaters are now required to drain water from their boat and equipment and remove aquatic plants, animals and algae from boats, equipment, vehicles and trailers, according to the new rules. It is now illegal to place a boat in any body of water if there are aquatic weeds, animals or algae still on it.

The post New Ontario watercraft regulations fight invasive species first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/03/new-ontario-watercraft-regulations-fight-invasive-species/

Guest Contributor

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In: Capital News Service, Echo, Recreation

Last year, the U.S. ski industry had its fifth-busiest season, according to the National Ski Areas Association, and interest in the slopes shows no signs of slowing down in Michigan for the 2021-22 season.

The post Downhill ski business booming in Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/28/downhill-ski-business-booming-in-michigan/

Guest Contributor

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In: Hunting, poaching, Recreation

Reports of wildlife crime have reached their highest levels on record while related arrests are trending downward, according to new data from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

The post Illegal hunting complaints reach record numbers during pandemic, arrests down first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/13/illegal-hunting-complaints-reach-record-numbers-during-pandemic-arrests-down/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Hunting, Recreation

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/18/mancelona-buck-pole-more-than-just-a-competition/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Detroit, parks, Recreation, windsor

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/11/parks-canada-and-windsor-explore-possible-new-national-urban-park/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: elk, Hunting, Recreation

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/04/record-elk-hunting-applications-fuel-conservation-efforts/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Hunting, Recreation

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/29/wildlife-habitat-projects-look-for-new-funding-as-hunting-licenses-decline/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: fishing, Recreation, salmon, trout run

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/22/salmon-run-in-northern-michigan-highlights-differing-views-on-snagging/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Recreation, snowmobiling, sports, winter

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.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/13/snowmobile-helmet-exemption-proposed-just-in-time-for-winter/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Michigan, Recreation, State Parks

Trails that can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs with tank treads and baby changing stations in men’s bathrooms are part of a push to accommodate a surge of new visitors at Michigan state parks.

The post Michigan DNR expanding accessibility for more visitors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/01/michigan-dnr-expanding-accessibility-for-more-visitors/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Beaches, Boating, Paddle Sports and Sailing, Boating, COVID-19, Feature Homepage, Great Lakes, James Proffitt, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Recreation
Great Lakes Breakdowns: There’s a thin line between affordable and not for boat tows

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, millions of Americans suddenly found themselves out of work or working remotely, their recreational options severely limited with the closure of bars, eateries, gyms and countless public spaces.

So what better way to spend time with family while remaining socially distanced than buying a boat and hitting the water?

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/great-lakes-boat-tow-affordable-expensive/

James Proffitt