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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/28/commentary-does-social-media-threaten-our-special-places/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/26/commentary-suburban-ponds-threaten-dog-walkers-and-water-quality/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/14/lifeguard-staffing-struggles-to-stay-afloat-in-2022/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/13/cruise-ships-return-to-the-great-lakes/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/11/shoreline-shipwreck-viewing-predicted-to-be-excellent/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/04/golf-management-jobs-on-upswing/
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.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/surfing-great-lakes/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/03/new-ontario-watercraft-regulations-fight-invasive-species/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/28/downhill-ski-business-booming-in-michigan/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/13/illegal-hunting-complaints-reach-record-numbers-during-pandemic-arrests-down/
Some trails are just better in the winter.
The post Some trails are better with snow first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/13/some-trails-are-better-with-snow/
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the number of hunters is down this year about 4.5% compared to 2020. But at the Buck Pole in Mancelona, the turnout was better than last year.
The post Mancelona Buck Pole more than just a competition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/18/mancelona-buck-pole-more-than-just-a-competition/
Increased attention to parks as a result of the pandemic is demonstrated by Windsor's recent $1 million (USD $801,705) investment in 14 parks.
The post Windsor invests in parks lighting first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/16/windsor-invests-in-parks-lighting/
Parks Canada and Windsor are exploring the possibilities of turning some of the city’s most ecologically sensitive areas into a new national urban park.
The post Parks Canada and Windsor explore possible new national urban park first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/11/parks-canada-and-windsor-explore-possible-new-national-urban-park/
More than 49,000 hunters applied to hunt Michigan elk in 2021, a record that is part of a steady decade-long rise, state wildlife officials say.
The post Record elk hunting applications fuel conservation efforts first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/04/record-elk-hunting-applications-fuel-conservation-efforts/
National declines of hunting license sales and the need for additional wildlife conservation funding have prompted proposals to fill the fiscal gap, including one that’s stalled in Congress despite bipartisan support.
The post Wildlife habitat projects look for new funding as hunting licenses decline first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/29/wildlife-habitat-projects-look-for-new-funding-as-hunting-licenses-decline/
The salmon run is a popular time for anglers in Michigan. Snagging isn't allowed, but some think it should be.
The post Salmon run in northern Michigan highlights differing views on snagging first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/22/salmon-run-in-northern-michigan-highlights-differing-views-on-snagging/
Off-road vehicle and snowmobile riders who are claustrophobic would not have to wear a helmet if a series of bills are passed by the Michigan Legislature.
The post Snowmobile helmet exemption proposed just in time for winter first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/13/snowmobile-helmet-exemption-proposed-just-in-time-for-winter/
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.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/01/michigan-dnr-expanding-accessibility-for-more-visitors/
2020 was a record year for visitors at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. But this year hasn't kept up.
The post Sleeping Bear Dunes visitation down for July and August first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/27/sleeping-bear-dunes-visitation-down-for-july-and-august/
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?
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/great-lakes-boat-tow-affordable-expensive/
Parks around the Great Lakes are expecting a spike in visitation this season as the United States and Canada continue to distribute COVID-19 vaccines.
The post Second Spike: Great Lakes parks anticipate increased visitation this summer first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/28/second-spike-great-lakes-parks-anticipate-increased-visitation-this-summer/
A look at Peninsula Point in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The post Butterflies, beaches & a lighthouse first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/06/09/butterflies-beaches-a-lighthouse/
MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) — The largest city in the Upper Peninsula is getting 1,000 feet of valuable shoreline along Lake Superior.
The Marquette City Commission recently voted to accept the land at no cost from We Energies, a utility, the Mining Journal reported.
“There’s no contamination that we’re aware of and we’re not taking on a problem area.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-marquette-1000-feet-great-lakes-beach/
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.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-conservation-corridor-planned-michigan/
This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.
By Jim DuFresne, Great Lakes Echo
At some point in our lives, we all can use a little help down the trail — aging baby boomers, a toddler, a parent pushing a stroller, an expectant mother, somebody who walks with a cane, somebody else who suffers from asthma.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/great-lakes-trails-friendlier-disabilities/
Canada has nine sailors heading to the Olympics, six of which hail from the Great Lakes. Sarah Douglas is one of them.
“I’m excited, you know, I’m trying to treat it like any other competition,” Douglas said, “I think with the restrictions that we have, it’s going to be easier, the less distractions, but I’m just going out there to race.”
Douglas, a Toronto native who grew up in Barbados, will be competing in the Laser class in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/douglas-lake-ontario-tokyo-olympics/
A little more than a year ago the nation’s media outlets, including Great Lakes Now, were reporting on the widespread closures and restrictions being enacted across Great Lakes states. There were complete or partial closures and restrictions at nearly all public parks, preserves and other lakes-related facilities. Bars, restaurants and many stores and businesses were locking their doors.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/05/great-lakes-tourism-recreation-covid-19-2021/
More fishing trips could cause more damage to native fish populations in the Canadian portion of the Great Lakes than aquatic invasive species, according to a recent study.
The post New anglers could depress Great Lakes fish populations more than invasive species first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/25/new-anglers-could-depress-great-lakes-fish-populations-more-than-invasive-species/
Organizations are striving to make nature accessible to everyone.
The post Trails become friendlier for users with disabilities first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/20/trails-become-friendlier-for-users-with-disabilities/
Demand for mountain bikes has skyrocketed.
The post Mountain biking sees popularity climb during pandemic first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/18/mountain-biking-sees-popularity-climb-during-pandemic/
As pandemic restrictions pushed people outdoors in 2020, visitors sought refuge in the National Parks System.
The post Great Lakes National Parks see record visitors in 2020 first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/04/great-lakes-national-parks-see-record-visitors-in-2020/
Growing up in Alpena, Audrey Garant could not wait to leave her hometown in Michigan’s northeast Lower Peninsula. But years later, moving back, seeing the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center built and getting to experience it changed things for her.
“It’s my place to kind of disappear,” she said.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/great-lakes-national-marine-sanctuaries/
The COVID-19 vaccine is still rolling out and making its way to people all around the world. How comfortable people feel about participating in events and group activities is extremely varied.
But that doesn’t have to stop anyone interested in taking part in Earth Day this year, whether they do it indoors, outdoors, around other people or alone.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/earth-day-2021-events-around-the-region/
As COVID-19 changed the pattern of life around the Great Lakes region in 2020, it also altered the pattern of Great Lakes drownings in unfortunate if predictable ways.
With larger than normal crowds and a fatigue with restrictions, the rise in drownings isn’t a surprise.
“You get no lifeguards, heavier beach crowds, more people who were just escaping their house in the heat, going to the beach, and you’re putting more people into a dangerous situation,” said Chris Houser, a professor in the school of environment at University of Windsor.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/drownings-increase-research-connection-covid-19-restrictions/
FRANKFORT, Mich. (AP) — A popular summer town along Lake Michigan is trying to improve beach safety through technology.
Frankfort will use cellular phone networks and weather data to regularly update lights installed at the beach entrance and at the pier, 9 & 10 News reported.
Signs will explain the different lights and beach conditions.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/ap-lake-michigan-town-lights-beach-safety/
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 Eastern Seaboard has the Appalachian Trail, the Western Seaboard has the Pacific Rim Trail, and the Rocky Mountains has the Continental Divide Trail.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/great-lakes-way-southern-lake-huron-western-lake-erie/
The COVID-19 pandemic indirectly caused more drownings in the Great Lakes, according to a study published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management.
The post Great Lakes drownings rise during pandemic first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/26/great-lakes-drownings-rise-during-pandemic/
By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network
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.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/dam-traverse-city-fish-restoration-project/
Indiana's program was inspired by a similar successful passport program in Iowa.
The post Free Indiana nature passports reward outdoor adventurers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/19/free-indiana-nature-passports-reward-outdoor-adventurers/
Some anglers and conservationists oppose a controversial catfishing bill introduced in the Michigan Legislature.
The post Conservation experts wary of legalizing trotlines and juglines first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/11/conservation-experts-wary-of-legalizing-trotlines-and-juglines/
Scientists are simulating Great Lakes walleye on computers to find out how contaminants harm the fish.
The post Virtual walleyes fight new threats to real ones first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/10/virtual-walleyes-fight-new-threats-to-real-ones/
If you're tired of striding across golf courses, then you'll find the Upper Peninsula has some unusual Nordic alternatives.
The post Skiing through a ghost town? That’s scary! first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/02/26/skiing-through-a-ghost-town-thats-scary/
Toronto’s Trillium Park a key to revitalizing old entertainment venue.
The post Natural features of Toronto park help users design their own experience first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/02/25/natural-features-of-toronto-park-help-users-design-their-own-experience/
The park will preserve local history while fighting harmful algae blooms.
The post Old Ohio amusement park becomes new wetland restoration project first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/02/24/old-ohio-amusement-park-becomes-new-wetland-restoration-project/
It offers a significant educational opportunity for land conservancies.
The post COVID-19 spurs visits to nature sanctuaries first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/02/15/covid-19-spurs-visits-to-nature-sanctuaries/
From local restrictions on gathering sizes to gym closures, staying fit during the COVID-19 pandemic might seem a near-impossible task. Despite that, many communities in Michigan and elsewhere in the Great Lakes region have adapted existing physical fitness programs and implemented new ones.
The post Outdoor exercise in the time of COVID-19 first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/01/27/outdoor-exercise-in-the-time-of-covid-19/
Throughout human history, gardens have embodied a sense of near-mystical escapism. From enchanted hedgerows in the English countryside to tranquil Japanese gardens, the time-honored art of horticulture shows no signs of stopping.
The post The great escape of gardening first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/01/08/the-great-escape-of-gardening/
Many festivals in the Great Lakes region were cancelled due to the pandemic, though tourists still visited in droves.
The post 2020 Festival cancellations deal blow to local economies first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.Great Lakes Echo
http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/01/06/2020-festival-cancellations-deal-blow-to-local-economies/
This is part of a series in which the Great Lakes Now staff looks back on 2020.
A frequent theme of my GLN articles – and others’ – this year was the Crazy-19 virus. For me, its appearance in print ranged from news about charter captains not fishing and non-resident fishing and hunting license sales suspended to parks, monuments, Lake Erie businesses shut down and events cancelled, including The Biggest Week in American Birding.
Great Lakes Now
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/2020-really-sucked-next-i-dont-know/
