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What’s going on in Wasaga Beach? Profit, piping plovers and an Ontario town’s complicated future

By Fatima Syed, The Narwhal

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal 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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/09/wasaga-beach-ontario-park-plan/

Fatima Syed, The Narwhal

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In: Authors, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, invasive species, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, native fish, News, Science, Technology, Research
I Speak for the Fish: Swiping right on native fish

I Speak for the Fish is a column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit PBS. Check out her previous columns.

There’s a fish project in Northern Michigan that is exciting researchers from around the world. 

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/i-speak-for-the-fish-swiping-right-on-native-fish/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

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In: aquaculture, Authors, Commercial Fishing, Donté Smith, Feature Homepage, fish, fish farming, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research
How Michigan’s Inland Fish Farmers Cultivate a Sustainable Future for the Great Lakes

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 working to build a more sustainable, local supply.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/how-michigans-inland-fish-farmers-cultivate-a-sustainable-future-for-the-great-lakes/

Donte Smith

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In: anglers, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research, smallmouth bass
Bassmaster Elite arrives as Lake St. Clair’s smallmouth break records

As anglers compete in the 2025 Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite competition on Lake St. Clair from Aug. 7-10, they’ll likely bring some pretty prize catches to weigh-ins. That’s because the catch-and-release method has allowed smallmouth bass on Lake St. Clair to grow to much greater sizes, according to new research from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/bassmaster-elite-arrives-as-lake-st-clairs-smallmouth-break-records/

Jack Armstrong

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In: Authors, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit’s waterfront porch reaps substantial benefits

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.

As the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy moves forward following an embezzlement crisis, its 2024 visitor survey found that 99.4% of respondents would visit the Detroit Riverwalk again, and 99.3% would recommend it to others.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/08/great-lakes-moment-detroits-waterfront-porch-reaps-substantial-benefits/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now

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I Speak for the Fish: Think you’re not to blame for overfishing? Think again.

I Speak for the Fish is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television. 

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/i-speak-for-the-fish-think-youre-not-to-blame-for-overfishing-think-again/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Commercial Fishing, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Recreational Hunting and Fishing, Science, Technology, Research, whitefish
‘We can’t regulate ourselves’ out of whitefish crisis, experts say

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/we-cant-regulate-ourselves-out-of-whitefish-crisis-experts-say/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Climate change, climate resilience, Equity and Environmental Justice, Latest News, News, northeast ohio, Ohio, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research
Local health group seeks Northeast Ohio climate resilience solutions from those most at risk

By Zaria Johnson, Ideastream Public Media

This story was originally published by Ideastream.

The Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition is exploring the climate resilience of Northeast Ohio by identifying those most at risk and provide possible solutions.

The coalition, through a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Ohio State University’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies, has hosted Reimagining Communities Conversations in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Lake and Mahoning counties so far to see how prepared residents feel in the face of severe weather made worse by climate change.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/local-health-group-seeks-northeast-ohio-climate-resilience-solutions-from-those-most-at-risk/

Ideastream Public Media

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In: butterflies, conservation, endangered species, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research
John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies

Butterfly populations are in decline across the continental U.S., dropping by 22% between 2000 and 2020 according to a study published in the journal Science. Almost a third of the 342 species studied have seen their numbers fall by more than half. To help combat this, 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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/john-ball-zoo-fights-for-great-lakes-rarest-butterflies/

Donte Smith

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In: Chicago, Climate change, Drinking Water, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, lead pipes, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Chicago was supposed to warn residents about toxic lead pipes last year. Most still have no idea.

By Keerti Gopal & Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco

This story is a partnership between Grist, Inside Climate News, and WBEZ, a public radio station serving the Chicago metropolitan region. This coverage is made possible through an ongoing partnership between Grist and WBEZ.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/chicago-was-supposed-to-warn-residents-about-toxic-lead-pipes-last-year-most-still-have-no-idea/

Inside Climate News and Grist

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In: birds, endangered species, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, News, piping plovers, Science, Technology, Research
A record year for Great Lakes piping plovers

By Lester Graham, Michigan Public

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/record-year-for-great-lakes-piping-plovers/

Michigan Public

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In: Agriculture, animals, Authors, barn sanctuary, conservation, Donté Smith, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Empowering Environmental Stewardship: How Barn Sanctuary Champions Compassion and Conservation in the Great Lakes

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.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/empowering-environmental-stewardship-how-barn-sanctuary-champions-compassion-and-conservation-in-the-great-lakes/

Donte Smith

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In: Authors, bird migration, Citizen science, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, John Hartig, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research, turkey vultures
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River carrion scavenger on the increase

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.

What is one of the most frequently counted birds by citizen scientists in the annual Detroit River Hawk Watch, but is not a hawk?

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/great-lakes-moment-detroit-river-carrion-scavenger-on-the-increase/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now

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In: Algae Blooms, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Cleveland, Collaboration, Feature Cleveland, lake erie, Latest News, microbe, News, Ohio, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes scientists discover new lifeform microbe, name it ShipGoo1

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/great-lakes-scientists-discover-new-lifeform-microbe-name-it-shipgoo1/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Climate, Climate change, Collaboration, Latest News, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, trump, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
After Trump cuts, Michigan helps pay for remainder of climate work program

By Izzy Ross, Interlochen Public Radio

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between Interlochen Public Radio and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

Lucas Roff met his then-girlfriend when he was going to college at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/after-trump-cuts-michigan-helps-pay-for-remainder-of-climate-work-program/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: AYITWK, AYITWKGL, Feature Homepage, foraging, Forests and Plants, History and Culture, Latest News, nature, News, Recreation, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research
Easy summer foraging adventures the whole family will remember

This is a part of “A Year in the Wild Kitchen of the Great Lakes,” a series in partnership with expert forager Lisa M. Rose, with the mission of nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world through foraging. To get started with your foraging journey, begin here with our “Framework to Sustainable and Safe Practices.” 

As Michigan’s fields burst into berry-laden glory, summer invites us to celebrate nature’s sweet, sun-ripened gifts.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/easy-summer-foraging-adventures-the-whole-family-will-remember/

Lisa M. Rose

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In: Algae Blooms, Climate change, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer in Lake Erie − why that’s a worry for people and pets

By Gregory J. Dick, University of Michigan

 is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

Federal scientists released their annual forecast for Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms on June 26, 2025, and they expect a mild to moderate season.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/toxic-algae-blooms-are-lasting-longer-in-lake-erie-why-thats-a-worry-for-people-and-pets/

The Conversation

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In: bats, conservation, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, News, Science, Technology, Research
New state program encourages Michigan residents to report bat roosts

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

By Clara Lincolnhol, Great Lakes Echo

The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to report bat roosts. These are the places where bats sleep and raise their babies like chimneys, trees and bridges.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/new-state-program-encourages-michigan-residents-to-report-bat-roosts/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research, solar energy, solar panels, Wildlife
What will the rise of floating solar panels mean for wildlife?

By Matt Simon, Grist

This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here.

The newest, hottest power couple doesn’t live in Hollywood. It’s actually the marriage of solar panels and water reservoirs: Known as floating photovoltaics, or floatovoltaics, the devices bob on simple floats, generating power while providing shade that reduces evaporation.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/what-will-the-rise-of-floating-solar-panels-mean-for-wildlife/

Grist

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In: Authors, diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Lake sturgeon, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research
I Speak for the Fish: The hardest lake sturgeon dive in the Great Lakes

For two weeks each year, the St. Clair River hosts thousands of spawning lake sturgeon.

Hundreds of six-foot females plump with eggs and thousands of 4 to 5-foot-long males gather at the base of Lake Huron. In the span of a few weeks, they will arrive, group up, deposit millions of fertilized eggs on the river bottom and depart.  

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/i-speak-for-the-fish-the-hardest-lake-sturgeon-dive-in-the-great-lakes/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

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In: birds, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, Latest News, native bird species, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism, Wisconsin
White throated sparrow takes first place in fattest bird competition

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

By Clara Lincolnhol, Great Lakes Echo

A very round white throated sparrow is the heavyweight champion of the 2025 Wisconsin Fat Bird Week contest.

The bird, coined the “spherical white-throated sparrow,” won by a landslide, receiving 72% of the vote in the final round against its nearest competitor, a “rotund ruby-throated hummingbird.”

The winner made it through eight rounds in the single-elimination, March Madness-style bracket competition against seven other birds.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/white-throated-sparrow-takes-first-place-in-fattest-bird-competition/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: documentary, Drinking Water, Fish, Birds and Animals, Latest News, microplastics, News, Ohio, Ripples of Plastic, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
How much plastic is in the Great Lakes?

Microplastics are turning up everywhere, including our water, our food, and even our bodies. And the Great Lakes are no exception.

Ripples of Plastic is a documentary from Ohio filmmakers Chris Langer and Josh Heese that investigates how plastic pollution is making its way into the largest freshwater system in the world.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/how-much-plastic-is-in-the-great-lakes/

Great Lakes Now

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In: Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, indigenous communities, Lake sturgeon, Latest News, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research
How are science and tradition saving sturgeon?

When the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Manistee, MI, decided to start a lake sturgeon restoration program, they started by hiring two recently graduated fisheries research biologists to help them set it up.

“I remember getting there and realizing that the scientific knowledge that I had was only a piece,” fisheries biologist Marty Holtgren said.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/06/how-are-science-and-tradition-saving-sturgeon/

Great Lakes Now

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In: Authors, Chicago, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Gary Wilson, Illinois, infrastructure, land subsidence, Latest News, Michigan, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Sinking cities: Great Lakes cities not immune from under-recognized threat

Significant areas of the Earth’s surface across continents are gradually sinking and that process brings environmental, social and economic consequences to urban centers in the United States. Great Lakes cities Detroit and Chicago are among those at risk.

That’s the conclusion of a recent study conducted by Columbia University researchers, published by the science journal Nature Cities.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/sinking-cities-great-lakes-cities-not-immune-from-under-recognized-threat/

Gary Wilson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Authors, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, Kathy Johnson, Lake sturgeon, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research
I Speak for the Fish: Sturgeon vs salmon prioritizing native Great Lakes species

I Speak for the Fish is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television. 

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/i-speak-for-the-fish-sturgeon-vs-salmon-prioritizing-native-great-lakes-species/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

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In: bass, Fish, Birds and Animals, fishing, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research
Why smallmouth bass are getting bigger in Michigan waterways

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

By Victoria Witke, Great Lakes Echo

Every spring for the last 15 years, Gene Gilliland and some friends have gone smallmouth bass fishing in Lake St. Clair in Southeast Michigan for a week.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/why-smallmouth-bass-are-getting-bigger-in-michigan-waterways/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Algae Blooms, algal blooms, Collaboration, Drinking Water, lake erie, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Data and Technology, restoration, Science, Technology, Research, trump, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Millions of People Depend on the Great Lakes’ Water Supply. Trump Decimated the Lab Protecting It.

By Anna Clark, ProPublica

This story was originally published by ProPublica.

Just one year ago, JD Vance was a leading advocate of the Great Lakes and the efforts to restore the largest system of freshwater on the face of the planet.

As a U.S.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/millions-of-people-depend-on-the-great-lakes-water-supply-trump-decimated-the-lab-protecting-it/

ProPublica

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In: Authors, Biggest Week in American Birding, birding, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, News, Ohio, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, Tourism
Everything you need to know about the Biggest Week in American Birding

A fledgling birding festival that hatched 15 years ago has become an international event drawing visitors from around the world to northwest Ohio. While the stars of the show at the Biggest Week in American Birding (BWIAB) are migrating warblers, there are dozens of other species which draw crowds from every state and continent including wading and shore birds, tanagers, songbirds, waterfowl and raptors.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/05/everything-you-need-to-know-about-biggest-week-in-american-birding/

James Proffitt, Great Lakes Now

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In: Feature Homepage, First Nations, Fish, Birds and Animals, Lake sturgeon, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Tribal Governments and First Nations
Meet the people trying to keep a prehistoric fish alive

By Leah Borts-Kuperman, The Narwhal

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal 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.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/meet-the-people-trying-to-keep-a-prehistoric-fish-alive/

The Narwhal

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In: First Nations, invasive species, Latest News, News, Ontario, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Can these invasive reeds be stopped?

Invasive phragmites are overwhelming Ontario’s wetlands, choking out native plants and wildlife. Towering up to 15 feet (5 meters) tall and spreading in dense clusters, this plant outcompetes native species, disrupts ecosystems, and threatens wildlife. But a team of dedicated experts and community members are fighting back.

Wetland ecologist Janice Gilbert is leading efforts at Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to combat phragmites.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/can-these-invasive-reeds-be-stopped/

Great Lakes Now

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In: Climate change, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research, wildfires, Wisconsin
Wisconsin sees record start to the fire season as climate change drives more blazes

By Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio

This article was republished here with permission from Wisconsin Public Radio.

Wisconsin saw a record number of fires in January and February this year due to a lack of snow as climate change has set the stage for more wildfires.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/wisconsin-wildfires-record-climate-change-drought/

Wisconsin Public Radio

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In: community garden, Detroit, Feature Detroit, Feature Homepage, Food, Forests and Plants, gardening, Latest News, Michigan, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research
How community gardens serve as ‘third places’ for Detroiters

Toward the end of 2023, I was newly unemployed and living by myself for the first time. 

In between jobs, searching for employment and a means of fulfillment and community, I began to reflect on how my mom got into gardening. In the dead of winter, memories of childhood summers spent pulling weeds, tilling soil and fleeing the occasional garter snake alongside her began to color my mind. 

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/community-gardens-third-places-for-detroiters/

Ethan Bakuli

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, First Nations, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Indigenous Rights, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Latest News, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Tribal Governments and First Nations
Fish, mines and Indigenous Rights ensnared in court case in northern Ontario

By Emma McIntosh, The Narwhal

Emma and photographer Christopher Katsarov Luna spent four days in northwestern Ontario, including visits to White Lake and Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg.

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS, Michigan Public and The Narwhal 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.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/fish-mines-and-indigenous-rights-ensnared-in-court-case-in-northern-ontario/

The Narwhal

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In: Art, Authors, Books, Authors, Art and Music, Buffalo, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, History and Culture, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, New York, News, Science, Technology, Research, water, Wildlife
Alberto Rey: Art all about Earth

Alberto Rey’s artistic passions are wide-ranging. But water and wildlife may most succinctly describe them. The retired State University of New York — Fredonia professor of art has waded into drawing, painting, ceramics and filmmaking all while diving headfirst into the deepest affection for the natural world.  

The 64-year-old Cuban-born artist moonlights as an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guide on Western New York’s Lake Erie tributaries.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/alberto-rey-art-all-about-earth/

James Proffitt, Great Lakes Now

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In: Feature Homepage, Habitat Restoration, invasive species, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Work
Could the Great Lakes lose billions in restoration funding?

The Great Lakes, the world’s largest system of fresh surface water, supply drinking water to about 40 million people. But industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and invasive species have caused significant problems. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) was created to address these issues and has received bipartisan support since its inception.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/could-the-great-lakes-lose-billions-in-restoration-funding/

Great Lakes Now

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In: Forests and Plants, History and Culture, indigenous communities, Latest News, manoomin, Michigan, News, Science, Technology, Research, wild rice, Wisconsin
Groups fight to preserve future of Michigan’s indigenous wild rice

By Jena Brooker, BridgeDetroit

This article was republished here with permission from BridgeDetroit.

An origin story, a teacher of life, a relative, and a source of crucial nutrition, manoomin now has a new protector.

Once covering much of Michigan’s inland lakes and streams, the wild rice (also known as mnoomin or mnomen) is indigenous to the Great Lakes region but has largely disappeared due to colonization, environmental degradation, and climate change.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/groups-fight-to-preserve-future-of-michigans-indigenous-wild-rice/

BridgeDetroit

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In: Agriculture, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, food security, health, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
As bird flu wreaks havoc in the Midwest, researchers say vaccines offer a way out

This article is the first in a series called The Great Lakes Promise: Cost, Resilience and Refuge. This series was made possible in partnership between Great Lakes Now and Planet Detroit. 

Bird flu has hit the Great Lakes region hard this winter, killing nearly 5 million birds — including laying hens, ducks and other fowl — in Ohio and Indiana in the past two months.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/as-bird-flu-wreaks-havoc-in-the-midwest-researchers-say-vaccines-offer-a-way-out/

Brian Allnutt

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In: Agriculture, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, food security, health, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
As bird flu wreaks havoc in the Midwest, researchers say vaccines offer a way out

This article is the first in a series called The Great Lakes Promise: Cost, Resilience and Refuge. This series was made possible in partnership between Great Lakes Now and Planet Detroit. 

Bird flu has hit the Great Lakes region hard this winter, killing nearly 5 million birds — including laying hens, ducks and other fowl — in Ohio and Indiana in the past two months.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/as-bird-flu-wreaks-havoc-in-the-midwest-researchers-say-vaccines-offer-a-way-out/

Brian Allnutt

On:
In: Agriculture, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, food security, health, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
As bird flu wreaks havoc in the Midwest, researchers say vaccines offer a way out

This article is the first in a series called The Great Lakes Promise: Cost, Resilience and Refuge. This series was made possible in partnership between Great Lakes Now and Planet Detroit. 

Bird flu has hit the Great Lakes region hard this winter, killing nearly 5 million birds — including laying hens, ducks and other fowl — in Ohio and Indiana in the past two months.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/as-bird-flu-wreaks-havoc-in-the-midwest-researchers-say-vaccines-offer-a-way-out/

Brian Allnutt

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In: Advocacy, Chicago, Climate change, environmental protection agency, Equity and Environmental Justice, Feature Homepage, Feature-Chicago, Illinois, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, pollution, Science, Technology, Research
‘Everyone deserves clean air,’ says a Chicago EPA worker who fears her job will end

By Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, WBEZ

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WBEZ and Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Sign up for WBEZ newsletters to get local news you can trust.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/04/everyone-deserves-clean-air-says-a-chicago-epa-worker-who-fears-her-job-will-end/

WBEZ

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In: invasive species, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, trump, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Sea lamprey control program receives OK to rehire federal workers, after initial scare

By Ellie Katz, Interlochen Public Radio

This article was republished with permission from Interlochen Public Radio.

The Great Lakes’ sea lamprey control program has the OK to rehire three dozen federal employees it needs to combat the eel-like, invasive fish species.

That’s after staffing cuts and hiring freezes from the Trump administration last month threatened the work, which the Great Lakes Fishery Commission said would have led to more than $200 million in lost fishing potential.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/sea-lamprey-control-program-receives-ok-to-rehire-federal-workers-after-initial-scare/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: Buffalo, Chicago, Energy, Clean Energy, Ethanol and Fracking, Feature Homepage, Feature Milwaukee, Feature-Chicago, great lakes travel, high-speed rail, History and Culture, Illinois, Industry, Energy, Economic Development, Latest News, Michigan, midwest trains, Milwaukee, New York, News, Ontario, Policy, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Sean Ericson, Toronto, Tourism, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments, Wisconsin
What would the Great Lakes region be like with bullet trains?

A few months ago, I was riding on Amtrak’s new Borealis line from St. Paul, Minn., to Chicago. The train was packed that day, and the new line has proved popular.

My coach seat was much nicer than any airline. Plus, I didn’t have to go through security.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/what-would-the-great-lakes-region-be-like-with-bullet-trains/

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Books, Authors, Art and Music, Forests and Plants, History and Culture, Latest News, Minnesota, News, Science, Technology, Research
Putting passion to pages: Minnesota authors release second guide to state wildflowers

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

By Shealyn Paulis, Great Lakes Echo

Within Minnesota’s wetlands, forests and prairies, thousands of different species of wildflowers bloom annually – some only once and in the evening. In their second book, two Minnesotan women put their passions to paper and set out to uncover all the state flora has to offer.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/putting-passion-to-pages-minnesota-authors-release-second-guide-to-state-wildflowers/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: African Great Lakes, Algae Blooms, harmful algal blooms, lake erie, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
One world, two Great Lakes

A tropical lake in Central Africa might not seem like the first place you would look to gain insights into North America’s Great Lakes. But that’s just what researchers from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio have been doing for the past three years.

Lake Victoria is the largest of Africa’s Great Lakes, the second largest in the world after Lake Superior.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/one-world-two-great-lakes/

Brian Owens, Great Lakes Now

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In: Authors, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News, Science, Technology, Research
I Speak for the Fish: Is it a rainbow trout or a steelhead?

Rainbow trout and steelhead are two of the most popular sport fish in the Great Lakes. They also hold three spots on my lifetime list of all-time great dives.

An 8-inch juvenile rainbow was the first fish I ever hand-fed in the Great Lakes. My partner, Greg Lashbrook, and I had fed fish before at several different Caribbean dive resorts.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/i-speak-for-the-fish-is-it-a-rainbow-trout-or-a-steelhead/

Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

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In: Authors, Feature Homepage, geography, lake formation, Latest News, Lisa John Rogers, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Stunning new research reveals the Great Lakes pre-date North America

It is widely known by lovers of the Great Lakes that their unique shape was caused by glaciers melting and receding northward. That was approximately 20,000 years ago. However, new research published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests this treasured landmass started forming hundreds of millions of years ago, long before the theory of plate tectonics, when Pangea likely separated into the continents we recognize today. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/stunning-new-research-reveals-the-great-lakes-pre-date-north-america/

Lisa John Rogers, Great Lakes Now

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In: AYITWK, Feature Homepage, Food, foraging, Forests and Plants, Latest News, maple syrup, News, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research
Tapping Into Tradition: It’s Maple Syrup Season

This is a part of “A Year in the Wild Kitchen of the Great Lakes,” a series in partnership with expert forager Lisa M. Rose, with the mission of nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world through foraging. To get started with your foraging journey, begin here with our “Framework to Sustainable and Safe Practices.”

In the Great Lakes, the maple syrup harvest season begins when daytime temperatures rise above freezing while nights remain cold — typically from mid to late February for much of the region, and a bit later further north.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/tapping-into-tradition-its-maple-syrup-season/

Lisa M. Rose

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In: Collaboration, Latest News, News, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research
Great Lakes scientists among latest round of Trump cuts in Michigan

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal 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/2025/03/great-lakes-scientists-among-latest-round-of-trump-cuts-in-michigan/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Authors, birds, conservation, Detroit, detroit river, Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, John Hartig, Latest News, Michigan, News, Region, Science, Technology, Research, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River common terns under threat

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.

Common terns are known for their aerial acrobatics, performing rapid turns and swoops to the delight of those watching.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/great-lakes-moment-detroit-river-common-terns-under-threat/

John Hartig, Great Lakes Now