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In: Echo, solutions, Waste
By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira An unknown number of schools across Michigan have taken up composting initiatives, but coalitions of education and anti-food waste groups want to see more. They’ve begun lobbying state legislators in hopes of securing $3 million for a pilot grant program that would allow schools across the state to replicate the composting program at Hayes Elementary School in Livonia.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/06/13/in-school-cafeterias-kids-fight-michigans-food-waste-problems/

Isabella Figueroa Nogueira

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In: Art, Echo
By Joshua Kim “Nokee: The Last of the Great Lakes Mound Builders” follows Nokee, the last member of a mound-building culture, who embarks on a journey to preserve the memory of his ancestors and find an aging shaman.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/06/09/novel-tells-the-story-of-indigenous-mound-builders-in-the-great-lakes-region/

Joshua Kim

On:
In: Echo, water
By Riley Wilson Ice covering the Great Lakes stores organic carbon, which is released in a burst during spring melt. As climate change reduces ice cover, researchers say this seasonal surge of energy may be shrinking, with uncertain consequences for these freshwater systems.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/06/05/study-reveals-how-dissolved-organic-matter-in-the-great-lakes-ice-may-impact-spring-melt/

Riley Wilson

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife
By Samantha Ku Cultivated plants rarely match their wild type counterparts in their ability to support pollinators, according to research by pollinator ecologists at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/06/03/wild-type-plants-are-superior-to-cultivars-when-it-comes-to-attracting-pollinators-study-says/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Cities & Suburbs, Echo, Recreation
By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, cities across North America are preparing for an influx of fans, matches and global attention - including Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Canada. Along with the excitement comes growing concern about the tournament’s environmental impact.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/05/19/world-cup-2026-brings-sustainability-promises-and-environmental-concerns/

Isabella Figueroa Nogueira

On:
In: Echo, Waste, water
By Riley Wilson Rising levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination are prompting scientists to question whether the Great Lakes can safely sustain surrounding communities. A recent study shows signs of declining PFAS pollution in these waters using archived fish.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/05/17/great-lakes-show-signs-of-declining-pfas-pollution/

Riley Wilson

On:
In: Echo, Recreation
By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov Michigan’s tourism industry is preparing for another busy season, with strong visitor demand expected across the state. However, industry experts warn that staffing challenges remain a key concern.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/05/15/hospitality-and-tourism-industry-scrambling-to-find-seasonal-summer-help/

Capital News Service

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In: Agriculture, Echo
By Lily Cole Nationally, farmers markets are growing rapidly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported 2,863 markets in 2000, with that number rising to more than 8,700 in 2025. In Michigan alone, more than 200 markets offer amenities for patrons, including fresh produce and special events.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/05/05/rooted-in-community-farmers-markets-continue-to-grow/

Lily Cole

On:
In: Echo, Energy, solutions
By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov Michigan is expanding efforts to move public schools toward zero-emission energy systems, as new initiatives focus on cutting utility costs and modernizing aging buildings.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/04/22/converting-public-schools-to-clean-energy-will-create-jobs-group-says/

Capital News Service

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In: Cities & Suburbs, Echo, solutions
By Samantha Plunkett For residents of Dearborn, Michigan, creating greenspaces in the community has been an important mission for schools and researchers. In a recent study, academics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn partnered with Salina schools to assess their outdoor play spaces.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/04/18/investing-in-greenspaces-bring-benefits-to-schools-student-well-being/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Land, Wildlife
Michigan reduced funding for invasive species projects by $1.2 million. Conservation organizations like the regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are rethinking their funding priorities for 2026 and beyond.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/04/16/funding-cuts-hamper-conservation-groups-invasive-species-efforts/

Anna Ironside

On:
In: Echo, transportation
By Joshua Kim A new book, “Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy” (Michigan State University Press, $29.95), uncovers more of the political and legal aspects of the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/04/13/new-book-sails-into-the-unknown-political-legal-stories-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/

Joshua Kim

On:
In: Climate, Echo, Recreation
By Amelia Fraser When many people think of winter sports and hobbies, snow often comes to mind. But what happens when the snow is no longer around? Climate change studies have shown that as the planet warms, snowfall will decline, leaving skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports at risk of fading into memory.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/04/12/varying-snowfalls-effect-on-winter-sport-conditions-in-canada/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, solutions
By Samantha Ku A newly restored reef at Channel Island in Saginaw Bay is intended to support native fish spawning and increase their numbers, ensuring the sustainability of local fisheries. Construction to restore the nearshore fish spawning reef ended last October.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/04/10/lake-huron-artificial-reef-restores-fish-spawning-habitat/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, water
By Riley Wilson Climate change, invasive species and other human-driven pressures are among the leading causes of declining freshwater health in the Great Lakes, the National Wildlife Federation reports. There's a growing need for community engagement to protect the lakes, one study finds.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/04/08/study-highlights-need-for-community-engagement-in-great-lakes-protection/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Art, Echo
By Anna Ironside Postage stamps featuring wildlife are helping to fund conservation and bring awareness to communities about habitat protection throughout the Great Lakes region by centering species like the wood duck (Aix sponsa), wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and piping plover (Charadrius melodus).

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/29/wildlife-stamps-aim-to-improve-conservation-across-the-great-lakes-region/

Anna Ironside

On:
In: Art, Echo
By Anna Ironside Postage stamps featuring wildlife are helping to fund conservation and bring awareness to communities about habitat protection throughout the Great Lakes region by centering species like the wood duck (Aix sponsa), wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and piping plover (Charadrius melodus).

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/29/wildlife-stamps-aim-to-improve-conservation-across-the-great-lakes-region/

Anna Ironside

On:
In: Echo, Wildlife
By Justin Fox Clausen Two insects are under consideration as Michigan's official state insect: the stonefly and, more recently, the Huron River leafhopper. The state is one of two in the country without an official insect.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/27/stoneflies-or-leafhoppers-which-could-become-the-official-state-insect/

Capital News Service

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In: Echo, solutions

By Joshua Kim

A recent study explores the importance of more diverse viewpoints and ethical considerations when working in archaeology, especially involving Indigenous artifacts.

The post Study calls for more diverse viewpoints, ethical considerations in archaeology first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/25/study-calls-for-more-diverse-viewpoints-ethical-considerations-in-archaeology/

Joshua Kim

On:
In: Echo, Energy

By Madison Merrell

Upfront costs of clean energy projects such as wind and solar may be high but the long-term savings on fuel and increased reliability more than offset those initial costs, experts say.

The post Green energy boosters stress long-term savings first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/16/green-energy-boosters-stress-long-term-savings/

Capital News Service

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In: Echo, Nearshore

By Samantha Ku

A rare ravine ecosystem on Lake Michigan's western shore is vulnerable to human encroachment. A recent federal grant is supporting restoration efforts in the region.

The post Preservation project launches effort to restore rare ravine ecosystem  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/14/preservation-project-launches-effort-to-restore-rare-ravine-ecosystem/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: Echo, Waste

By Christian Vazquesz

A Michigan state senator is pushing for a statewide vote to expand the 10-cent bottle and can deposit law, while the Midwest Independent Retailers Association is calling for repeal of the law. Meanwhile, the state House approved a bill sponsored by a Clinton Township representative to give an income tax write-off to beverage distributors that move recycled cans and bottles from stores to recycling plants.

The post Bill would expand Michigan’s bottle deposit law while some want to abolish it first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/13/bill-would-expand-michigans-bottle-deposit-law-while-some-want-to-abolish-it/

Capital News Service

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In: Echo, Energy, solutions

By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov

Across Michigan, religious institutions, local governments, schools and nonprofits are turning to a federal program called Elective Pay to help pay for solar panels and other clean-energy projects.

The post Federal program can help nonprofits cover costs of clean-energy projects first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/11/federal-program-can-help-nonprofits-cover-costs-of-clean-energy-projects/

Capital News Service

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In: Echo, Energy

By Sonja Krohn

DTE and Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest electric utilities, have ramped up tree trimming to improve reliability. Despite improvements, Michigan has the poorest reliability record among the Great Lakes states, the Citizens Utility Board of Michigan says.

The post Utilities ramp up tree trimming to address long-standing reliability problems first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/09/utilities-ramp-up-tree-trimming-to-address-long-standing-reliability-problems/

Capital News Service

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In: Echo, solutions

By Justin Fox Clausen

A new bill in Michigan would prohibit home insurance companies from denying, canceling or raising premiums for homeowners and tenants based on the breeds of their dogs.

The post Bill would ban ‘dog-scrimination’ by insurers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/07/bill-would-ban-dog-scrimination-by-insurers/

Capital News Service

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In: Agriculture, Climate, Echo

By Sonja Krohn

The dry conditions and drought that Michigan is experiencing this winter may adversely affect the upcoming crop growing season.

The post ‘None of this is normal’ – Michigan watches winter drought ahead of growing season first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/05/none-of-this-is-normal-michigan-watches-winter-drought-ahead-of-growing-season/

Capital News Service

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In: Echo, Recreation, Wildlife

The 2026 sturgeon season on Black Lake in Michigan lasted all of 48 minutes before the annual quota – six – was reached. There were 653 anglers competing for them.

The post Conservation, research and community collaboration aid in successful 2026 Black Lake sturgeon season first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/03/03/conservation-research-and-community-collaboration-aid-in-successful-2026-black-lake-sturgeon-season/

Anna Ironside

On:
In: Agriculture, Echo, Land

By Lillian Williams

he shrinking number of farms in Michigan – down by about 1,300 between 2023 and 2024 – and the trend of existing farms to expand to survive is changing the culture of rural communities.

The post Shifting farm economy means changes for rural communities first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/02/28/shifting-farm-economy-means-changes-for-rural-communities/

Capital News Service

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In: Cities & Suburbs, Climate, Echo

A recent study featuring Grand Rapids, Michigan suggests that climate migration may not significantly change how some cities grow.

The post Climate migration may not dramatically reshape city growth, study finds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/02/26/climate-migration-may-not-dramatically-reshape-city-growth-study-finds/

Isabella Figueroa Nogueira

On:
In: Agriculture, Echo

By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov

Bankruptcies of Michigan farmers are troubling despite a dip in their Chapter 12 filings last year. Major reasons are higher expenses for inputs such as fertilizer coupled with flat commodity prices.

The post Michigan farmers face bankruptcies, other financial challenges first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/02/24/michigan-farmers-face-bankruptcies-other-financial-challenges/

Capital News Service

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In: Echo, solutions, water

By Mia Litzenberg

The Six Nations of the Grand River face ongoing water insecurity from pollution, climate change and corporate extraction. Many years of Indigenous water advocacy have led to the development of a new Haudenosaunee Environmental Research Institute as the next step to overcome these challenges.

The post Water is Life, Six Nations lead international approach to long-standing water insecurity first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/02/22/water-is-life-six-nations-lead-international-approach-to-long-standing-water-insecurity/

Mia Litzenberg

On:
In: Echo, Land, solutions

By Ada Tussing

If you’ve noticed fewer birds in the sky recently, they haven’t all flown south for the winter. The North American bird population has dropped nearly 30% in the last 50 years. Mariette Nowak's book "Birdscaping for Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region" offers a solution: birdscaping.

The post Fight climate change from your garden with ‘birdscaping’ first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/02/20/fight-climate-change-from-your-garden-with-birdscaping/

Ada Tussing

On:
In: Echo, transportation

By Bauyrzhan Zhaxylykov

New U-M survey finds only about 5% of rural Michigan residents say they would choose an electric vehicle as their next car. Researchers attribute much of that reluctance to misinformation about the availability of public chargers and the cost of EVs and replacement batteries. The Whitmer administration is pushing to expand electric vehicle use to meet climate and clean energy goals.

The post Why Michigan’s rural residents are reluctant to drive electric vehicles first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2026/02/14/why-michigans-rural-residents-are-reluctant-to-drive-electric-vehicles/

Capital News Service