On:
In: Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

A new study by Michigan State University shows an increase in doctor visits for shortness of breath among long-term sand and gravel mine workers in Michigan, compared to the rate for production workers in other industries. The state has more than 3,500 surface miners, 1,207 of whom voluntarily participated in the study. 

The post Study raises health concerns for sand and gravel workers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/14/study-raises-health-concerns-for-sand-and-gravel-workers/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) was reinstated earlier this year and reimburses farmers for following proper conservation practices. To be eligible for the program, land must have a cropping history, or planting history, of four out of six years between 2012-17 and have been owned at least one year prior to applying.

The post Conservation program partnership targets farms in three Michigan watersheds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/09/conservation-program-partnership-targets-farms-in-three-michigan-watersheds/

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On:
In: Echo, Urban

Since 2019, just over a dozen inner-city families in the heart of Minneapolis have cared for small prairies full of native plants in the boulevard strips adjacent to their homes. The project is aimed at  increasing urban biodiversity. It is called City Backyard Science and is funded by the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment.

The post Urban ecology is in the hands of Minnesota citizens first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/01/urban-ecology-is-in-the-hands-of-minnesota-citizens/

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On:
In: Art, Commentary, Echo, water

Geo Rutherford is a self-described Great Lakes enthusiast that built a large following—the same number that the Washington Post has—by making educational TikTok videos about the Great Lakes and other lakes around the world.

The post Spooky lakes and beach trash: How a Wisconsin teacher and artist gained 1.3 million TikTok followers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/20/spooky-lakes-and-beach-trash-how-a-wisconsin-teacher-and-artist-gained-1-3-million-tiktok-followers/

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On:
In: Echo, recycling, Waste

The same supply chain disruptions that slow Michigan manufacturing could help the recycling industry bring in new business.

The post Supply chain slowdown could boost demand for recycled materials first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/18/supply-chain-slowdown-could-boost-demand-for-recycle-materials/

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On:
In: Air Quality, Echo, Nearshore, TikTok

In our newest TikTok, Echo reporter Brooklyn Peppo explores the potential negative health effects of breathing in lake breeze.

The post Lake breeze can be harmful to health: TikTok edition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/17/lake-breeze-can-be-harmful-to-health-tiktok-edition/

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On:
In: Air Quality, Echo, Nearshore, TikTok

In our newest TikTok, Echo reporter Brooklyn Peppo explores the potential negative health effects of breathing in lake breeze.

The post Lake breeze can be harmful to health: TikTok edition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/17/lake-breeze-can-be-harmful-to-health-tiktok-edition/

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On:
In: Air Quality, Echo, Great Lakes, Nearshore

Regions 30 miles off the Lake Michigan coast are subject to a polluted lake breeze that contaminates air quality. Their toxic reach varies depending on the weather. 

The post Lake breeze can be harmful to health first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/16/lake-breeze-can-be-harmful-to-health/

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On:
In: Echo, invasive species, Wildlife

For the first time, Asian jumping worms were found in Ontario in March. The discovery of the invasive worms follows sightings in all Great Lakes states except for Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York. Removal of invasive species once they are established is extremely difficult, making prevention essential.

The post Ontario jumping worm invasion threatens to leap borders first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/13/ontario-jumping-worm-invasion-threatens-to-leap-borders/

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

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula has seen a dramatic increase in ticks in the past 10-15 years due to climate change. Blacklegged ticks, also called deer ticks, can spread Lyme disease to people.

The post Commentary: Climate change is buggin’ me. And you first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/04/commentary-climate-change-is-buggin-me-and-you/

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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/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Climate, Climate change, Commentary, Echo, Michigan

In the last few decades, fluctuating temperatures in the late winter or early spring have harmed blueberry production across the state. More of that kind of trouble – and more often – may be in store for the state’s fruit-growers.

The post Commentary: Blueberries, climate and loss of community first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/27/commentary-blueberries-climate-and-loss-of-community/

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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/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Human health, Michigan

Dangerous metals such as arsenic and mercury have been found in wild rice beds located on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation and surrounding areas, according to research from Michigan Technological University scientists and their associates.

The post Tribes work to restore wild rice in areas contaminated by mining first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/25/tribes-work-to-restore-wild-rice-in-areas-contaminated-by-mining/

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On:
In: Echo, invasive species, TikTok

The invasive emerald ash borer has the potential to destroy over 3 million acres of black ash wetlands across the region, according to a recent study published in the journal Ecological Applications. 

The post Emerald ash borer turns forest into wetlands first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/22/emerald-ash-borer-turns-forest-into-wetlands/

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On:
In: Echo, Nearshore, TikTok, water

Algal blooms cause lower housing prices in Lake Erie communities, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics. 

The post Algae contamination effects Lake Erie housing prices first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/21/algae-contamination-effects-lake-erie-housing-prices/

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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/

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On:
In: Echo

At the northwest corner of Lake Huron, in Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula, is an 80 square-mile town of 240 people, one phone booth - and one boat building school. That school is growing explosively, bringing the entire community along with it. Experts estimate that a planned expansion of the Great Lakes Boat Building School could bring an additional $2.5 million to residents of Cedarville.

The post Cedarville: The little town that upholds Michigan’s marine industry first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/12/cedarville-the-little-town-that-upholds-michigans-marine-industry/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

As supply chain problems continue rippling from the COVID-19 pandemic, industries are learning ways to adapt. The meat market is no exception.

The post Pandemic shows need for more local meat processors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/08/pandemic-shows-need-for-more-local-meat-processors/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan

Michigan farmers can’t plant more wheat this year to make up for Ukrainian and Russian production that’s been lost to the ongoing war. A fixed supply and consistent demand for wheat leaves one thing open to change: price.

The post Michigan wheat farmers can’t make up for crops lost in Ukraine first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/06/michigan-wheat-farmers-cant-make-up-for-crops-lost-in-ukraine/

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On:
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/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Echo, Michigan, renewable energy

With a worldwide increase in need for food and oil, the soybean industry shows no signs of slowing down. Expanding consumer interest in plant-based foods as popular substitutes for meat could create more opportunities.

The post Meat substitutes, greener fuel drive soybean demand first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/30/meat-substitutes-greener-fuel-drive-soybean-demand/

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On:
In: Echo, Great Lakes, Michigan

A Harvard historian’s book about slavery in Detroit- - the last stop on the Underground Railroad – examines how that history was influenced by the region’s geography.

The post Harvard historian examines Detroit slavery link to Great Lakes geography first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/29/harvard-historian-examines-detroit-slavery-link-to-great-lakes-geography/

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On:
In: Art, Capital News Service, Echo

In the Great Lakes region, there may be no older and more intriguing historical mystery than the 1679 disappearance of the Griffon, one of French explorer Robert La Salle’s ships. Now after more than 40 years of searching, a Charlevoix diver says he’s 99.99% sure he found the answer, and he tells how in a new book.

The post Charlevoix couple offers theory on mysterious 1679 shipwreck first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/25/charlevoix-couple-offers-theory-on-mysterious-1679-shipwreck/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo, Insects

While invasive species are always threatening crops, a native pest is the biggest threat to the state’s blueberries –– the stem gall wasp. The Michigan Blueberry Commission has funded research to combat the stem gall wasp and help growers stay competitive.

The post Growers fund research to aid blueberries first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/24/growers-fund-research-to-aid-blueberries/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Capital News Service, Echo

Michigan maple syrup farmers sound optimistic that the industry will see a successful 2022 season after production declined in recent years. 

The post Maple syrup farmers grow hopeful with ideal weather first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/23/maple-syrup-farmers-grow-hopeful-with-ideal-weather/

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On:
In: Echo, Insects, Urban

Bees in the D’s new pollination center is expected to increase the fruits and vegetables produced in Detroit community gardens. The pollination center, breaking ground in April, will be home to roughly 100,000 honeybees in multiple hives.

The post Detroit pollination center to increase community garden yields first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/22/detroit-pollination-center-to-increase-community-garden-yields/

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On:
In: Echo, environmental politics, Michigan, toxins/chemicals

The recent discovery of a dangerous family of chemicals in Michigan cattle has a statewide environmental group renewing efforts to ban the controversial substance.

The post Michigan Environmental Group pushing for ban on controversial chemical first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/18/michigan-environmental-group-pushing-for-ban-on-controversial-chemical/

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On:
In: Catch of the Day, Echo

  Great Lakes Echo recently placed second in the College Newspaper of the Year category of a Michigan Press Association contest.

The post Michigan Press Association honors Echo in news contest first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/17/michigan-press-association-honors-echo-in-news-contest/

David Poulson

On:
In: Commentary, Echo, Strayer

March is a big time for underwater storms. The combination of melting snow, saturated soils, and rain falling on frozen ground means that the most frequent and most severe floods typically occur in March here in Michigan. These floods may carry 100 or even 1000 times as much water as the stream carries on a dry summer day.

The post March: Stormy Weather first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/04/march-stormy-weather/

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On:
In: Echo, invasive species, Ohio

Researchers in Ohio are getting ready to expand one of seven treatments for a widespread disease that kills beech trees. The invasive beech leaf disease causes dark striping on leaves and makes them thick, leathery and disfigured before killing the tree.

The post Hope spreads for infected trees first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/03/02/hope-spreads-for-infected-trees/

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On:
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/

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On:
In: Echo, Environmental Justice, Urban

Many people, including researchers, have regarded Detroit as a food desert. Yet the term food desert is no longer correct in describing all of Detroit. The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers a census tract to be a food desert based on its poverty rate and the proportion of residents living more than a mile from a supermarket or large grocery store.

The post Detroit’s status as ‘food desert’ challenged first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/17/detroits-status-as-food-desert-challenged/

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On:
In: Echo

In some states, the Department of Natural Resources offers an annual seed collection program. Anyone with a dry container can collect pine cones and seeds from trees and redeem them at listed nurseries for cash. The program is available in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Requirements for collection vary by state and species, but all seeds must be collected from trees of natural origin, not planted.

The post Backyard clean-up brings big bucks first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/15/backyard-clean-up-brings-big-bucks/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan, transportation

The Michigan Public Transit Association has launched an information advocacy campaign to fill hiring needs and increase ridership. The advocacy initiative includes television, radio, billboard and social media campaigns and is expected to continue into May.

The post New advocacy campaign boosts public transit first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/10/new-advocacy-campaign-boosts-public-transit/

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On:
In: Echo

Michigan ranks eighth in the country for potato production and contributes about $1.2 billion annually to the state’s economy. Disease is a common concern among farmers, inspiring research partnerships.

The post Potato research helps grow Michigan crop first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/08/potato-research-helps-grow-michigan-crop/

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On:
In: Echo, Waste

In the Great Lakes region there are community fridges in such major cities as Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago, Cleveland and Toronto. Community fridges are working fridges, usually connected to an organization, that provide free food to passersby. The concept is to take what you need and bring what you can.

The post Community fridges: Radical solutions to food insecurity, waste and cultural stigmas first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/01/community-fridges-radical-solutions-to-food-insecurity-waste-and-cultural-stigmas/

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On:
In: Capital News Service, Echo

As local governments wrestle with the question of how to spend their share of American Rescue Plan Act money from Washington, some are earmarking it to improve broadband access and affordability for their residents. 

The post Rural internet access competes with other needs for federal aid first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/31/rural-internet-access-competes-with-other-needs-for-federal-aid/

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On:
In: Art, Climate change, Echo, Invaders, Michigan

103 years after National Geographic published its article on berries, Michigan is witnessing some changes due to climate change and invasive species.

The post Threats to the native berries amongst us first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/27/threats-to-the-native-berries-amongst-us/

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On:
In: Echo, Michigan

Michigan students now can test watershed quality and model how groundwater flows in three dimensions with a new state classroom initiative. The Environmental Education Resource Lending Station became available in early December to Michigan educators through the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Classroom Initiative.

The post Michigan classrooms gain access to hands-on help for learning conservation science first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/26/michigan-classrooms-gain-access-to-hands-on-help-for-learning-conservation-science/

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On:
In: Echo, Michigan

Michigan’s top five safest small cities are all in Oakland County, according to a recent national study. Safety was calculated by factoring in the violent-crime rate, property-crime rate and motor vehicle crash deaths per capita.

The post Oakland County home to many of Michigan’s safest small cities first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/21/oakland-county-home-to-many-of-michigans-safest-small-cities/

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On:
In: Echo, Michigan

Flint ranked the worst for economic health in Michigan small cities in a recent report by WalletHub, a personal finance organization that tracks financial and other trends. To evaluate economic health, the study looked at population, job and income growth, along with the unemployment rate.

The post Economic health affects other indicators of livability first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/20/economic-health-affects-other-indicators-of-livability/

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