Echo (Page 7)

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

Threats to the native berries amongst us

On: January 27, 2022

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.

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

Michigan classrooms gain access to hands-on help for learning conservation science

On: January 26, 2022

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.

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

Oakland County home to many of Michigan’s safest small cities

On: January 21, 2022

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.

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

Economic health affects other indicators of livability

On: January 20, 2022

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.

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

Holland ranks first in quality of life for Michigan small cities

On: January 19, 2022

In: Echo, Michigan

Holland, Michigan ranks number one in the state for quality of life in “Best Small Cities in America,” a study published by WalletHub, a personal finance website that tracks financial and other trends. It is one of five measures the study used to rank the desirability of small cities. Quality of life was assessed by measures like average commute time, city walkability and number of bars, restaurants and cultural centers per capita.

The post Holland ranks first in quality of life for Michigan small cities first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/19/holland-ranks-first-in-quality-of-life-for-michigan-small-cities/

Some Michigan small cities are more affordable than others

On: January 18, 2022

In: Echo, Michigan

By Anna Traver, Payton Wells and Hope O’Dell Great Lakes Echo Editor’s note: A recent study evaluated the quality of 1,322 U.S. small cities by five measures. This story is part of a series taking a closer look at one measure as it relates to the 39 Michigan cities in the study. HOLT – It’s […]

The post Some Michigan small cities are more affordable than others first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/18/some-michigan-small-cities-are-more-affordable-than-others/

January: The Kingdom of Ice

On: January 10, 2022

In: Commentary, Echo, Strayer

You might deny being part of the Kingdom of Ice – Michigan is more about summer sunshine than it is about ice – but our language betrays us. So does the state's geology.

The post January: The Kingdom of Ice first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/01/10/january-the-kingdom-of-ice/

David Poulson

Michigan farmers markets look to add local distillery samplings

On: December 30, 2021

In: Echo

Sunday morning strolls to the farmers market could include a few stumbles home if distillers are given permits to sell at them.

The post Michigan farmers markets look to add local distillery samplings first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/30/michigan-farmers-markets-look-to-add-local-distillery-samplings/

Living with fossils

On: December 29, 2021

In: Commentary, Echo

A case for thinking about nature on a different timescale.

The post Living with fossils first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/29/living-with-fossils/

Michigan pet owners mistreating their animals may have to pay shelter costs

On: December 22, 2021

In: Echo

People charged with neglecting and abusing animals would have to pay for the animals’ shelter expenses during their court proceedings, if recently introduced legislation becomes law.

The post Michigan pet owners mistreating their animals may have to pay shelter costs first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/22/michigan-pet-owners-mistreating-their-animals-may-have-to-pay-shelter-costs/

Great Lakes region WWII armory preserves Indigenous village

On: December 17, 2021

In: Echo, history

Researchers are studying a long-vanished village near southern Lake Michigan that a World War II arsenal helped preserve.

The post Great Lakes region WWII armory preserves Indigenous village first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/17/great-lakes-region-wwii-armory-preserves-indigenous-village/

‘Organic growth’ fuels record-breaking agritourism season, experts say

On: December 16, 2021

In: Agriculture, Echo, Farming

Michigan farms that offer agricultural tourism opportunities have seen record-breaking attendance over the past two years.

The post ‘Organic growth’ fuels record-breaking agritourism season, experts say first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/16/organic-growth-fuels-record-breaking-agritourism-season-experts-say/

Great Lakes reading for the holidays

On: December 8, 2021

In: Art, Catch of the Day, Echo

Great Lakes-themed books for your holiday giving.

The post Great Lakes reading for the holidays first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/08/great-lakes-reading-for-the-holidays/

Eric Freedman

Projections rosy for the upcoming Christmas tree season

On: December 3, 2021

In: christmas, Echo

With stores already in the full swing of the Christmas season, many people are already thinking about the centerpiece of decorations: the real Christmas tree.

The post Projections rosy for the upcoming Christmas tree season first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/03/projections-rosy-for-the-upcoming-christmas-tree-season/

Mental health resources grow for Michigan farmers

On: December 2, 2021

In: Agriculture, Echo

Farmers are known for their ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ mentality. It is rare they’ll admit they’re getting mental health help.

The post Mental health resources grow for Michigan farmers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/02/mental-health-resources-grow-for-michigan-farmers/

Michigan seed libraries grow food resilience

On: November 30, 2021

In: Agriculture, Echo, Farming

As with books at traditional libraries, seed libraries contain seeds that circulate among community members.

The post Michigan seed libraries grow food resilience first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/30/michigan-seed-libraries-grow-food-resilience/

Communities welcome return of winter festivals

On: November 29, 2021

In: COVID-19, Echo, holidays

By Sammy Schuck Most people may know that festivals attract people to Michigan communities. What most may not know is that festivals and events in the state are an annual $1 billion industry, according to Michigan Festivals and Events Association CEO Mike Szukhent. According to Szukhent, the lack of winter festivals last year “hit hard.” […]

The post Communities welcome return of winter festivals first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/29/communities-welcome-return-of-winter-festivals/

Advocates push ban of chemicals in food packaging

On: November 26, 2021

In: contaminants, Echo, PFAS, toxins

Some lawmakers and environmental advocates want to ban chemicals in food packaging that they say threatens the health of Michiganders.

The post Advocates push ban of chemicals in food packaging first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/26/advocates-push-ban-of-chemicals-in-food-packaging/

Christkindlmarket returns to Chicago, the wait continues in Milwaukee

On: November 23, 2021

In: COVID-19, Echo, holidays

A beloved German holiday tradition, Christkindlmarket, will return to Chicago this year and celebrate its 25th anniversary after being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The post Christkindlmarket returns to Chicago, the wait continues in Milwaukee first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/23/christkindlmarket-returns-to-chicago-the-wait-continues-in-milwaukee/

The drive for bare pavement shaped winter roads public policy

On: November 22, 2021

In: Catch of the Day, Echo, weather

By Hannah Brock Author Timothy Kneeland was 14 years old when snow piled 20 to 30 feet high over four days in his small town outside of Buffalo, New York. The Great Lakes’ snow belt brought havoc to the Buffalo area on Jan. 28, 1977. The storm was the first to be declared a federal […]

The post The drive for bare pavement shaped winter roads public policy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/22/the-drive-for-bare-pavement-shaped-winter-roads-public-policy/

Nail salon working hazards exposed

On: November 15, 2021

In: Catch of the Day, Echo, toxins

A recent study revealed unsafe working conditions in some Michigan nail salons, the consequence of working with hazardous chemicals and not knowing how to handle them properly.

The post Nail salon working hazards exposed first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/15/nail-salon-working-hazards-exposed/

New book preserves relationship with plants through at-home herbalism

On: November 15, 2021

In: Art, Echo

Cohen will be at Howe Memorial Library in Breckinridge, Michigan, on Nov. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. presenting “Making Teas, Tinctures and Oils at Home.”

The post New book preserves relationship with plants through at-home herbalism first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/15/new-book-preserves-relationship-with-plants-through-at-home-herbalism/

New owners hold on to pandemic pets

On: November 10, 2021

In: COVID-19, Echo

The peak of the pandemic brought unfamiliar free time that led many people to adopt a pet. As life returns closer to normal and in-person activities resume, these new owners continue to embrace their pandemic pets.

The post New owners hold on to pandemic pets first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/10/new-owners-hold-on-to-pandemic-pets/

Great Lakes groups hope EPA regional administrator revitalizes infrastructure, morale

On: November 9, 2021

In: Echo

Environmental groups say they hope that a new Environmental Protection Agency administrator for the Great Lakes region works to restore infrastructure while revitalizing an agency they say is depleted and demoralized.

The post Great Lakes groups hope EPA regional administrator revitalizes infrastructure, morale first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/09/great-lakes-groups-hope-epa-regional-administrator-revitalizes-infrastructure-morale/

New book spotlights Native American women’s band on Mackinac Island

On: November 3, 2021

In: Art, Books, Echo

The book tells the history of the Agatha Biddle Band, a band of primarily Native American women who lived on Michigan’s Mackinac Island in the 1800s.

The post New book spotlights Native American women’s band on Mackinac Island first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/03/new-book-spotlights-native-american-womens-band-on-mackinac-island/

Indigenous entrepreneurs reclaim food system

On: November 2, 2021

In: Echo, food sovereignty, indigenous

When Ziibimijwang Farm sells maple sugar at Minongin Market in Mackinaw City, it’s more than a business transaction – it represents Indigenous food sovereignty.

The post Indigenous entrepreneurs reclaim food system first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/02/indigenous-entrepreneurs-reclaim-food-system/

Proposed body cameras on Michigan conservation officers draw opposition

On: November 1, 2021

In: DNR, Echo

The bill by state Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, would require conservation officers to wear body cameras while working in the field.

The post Proposed body cameras on Michigan conservation officers draw opposition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/11/01/proposed-body-cameras-on-michigan-conservation-officers-draw-opposition/

Pandemic tests resiliency of community supported agriculture

On: October 27, 2021

In: Agriculture, Echo

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world, a devastating scenario for local growers loomed on the horizon.

The post Pandemic tests resiliency of community supported agriculture first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/27/pandemic-tests-resiliency-of-community-supported-agriculture/

Great Lakes artists repurposing trash for art

On: October 26, 2021

In: Art, Echo

Artists in the Great Lakes region are taking trash and turning it into art.

The post Great Lakes artists repurposing trash for art first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/26/great-lakes-artists-repurposing-trash-for-art/

21 years later, Best Maze still stumps visitors

On: October 20, 2021

In: Catch of the Day, Echo

Mark Benjamin has been coming up and creating mazes since he was young, making it a lifelong passion.

The post 21 years later, Best Maze still stumps visitors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/20/21-years-later-best-maze-still-stumps-visitors/

New book celebrates ‘hidden beauty’ of native prairie through Illinois couple’s journey to turn back time in their own backyard

On: October 18, 2021

In: Art, Echo, prairie

“A Backyard Prairie. The Hidden Beauty of Tallgrass and Wildflowers” is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $24.50.

The post New book celebrates ‘hidden beauty’ of native prairie through Illinois couple’s journey to turn back time in their own backyard first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/18/new-book-celebrates-hidden-beauty-of-native-prairie-through-illinois-couples-journey-to-turn-back-time-in-their-own-backyard/

Wisconsin hemp industry switching from state to federal oversight signals changes for growers

On: October 12, 2021

In: Agriculture, Echo

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new regulation of Wisconsin’s hemp program will be beneficial, experts say, but growers remain skeptical.

The post Wisconsin hemp industry switching from state to federal oversight signals changes for growers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/12/wisconsin-hemp-industry-switching-from-state-to-federal-oversight-signals-changes-for-growers/

Endangered Great Lakes rattler once had a bounty

On: October 11, 2021

In: Echo, endangered species, Wildlife

A species unique to the Great Lakes region once had a bounty on its head, but now experts are trying to save it.

The post Endangered Great Lakes rattler once had a bounty first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/11/endangered-great-lakes-rattler-once-had-a-bounty/

Rediscovering the Fox River & its famous author

On: October 8, 2021

In: Echo, history, Michigan

Jim DuFresne reflects on hiking in an Upper Peninsula area with connections to Ernest Hemingway.

The post Rediscovering the Fox River & its famous author first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/08/rediscovering-the-fox-river-its-famous-author/

Fresh produce more accessible for low-income Michigan residents

On: September 29, 2021

In: Echo, food security

A program that gives low-income Michigan residents fresh fruit and vegetables and a path to healthier nutrition recently got a $2 million boost from state lawmakers.

The post Fresh produce more accessible for low-income Michigan residents first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/29/fresh-produce-more-accessible-for-low-income-michigan-residents/

New project promises to amplify reach of Great Lakes climate reporting

On: September 27, 2021

In: Catch of the Day, Echo

Great Lakes Echo is one of 23 newsrooms in a climate collaborative representing both long-standing and emerging media groups.

The post New project promises to amplify reach of Great Lakes climate reporting first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/27/new-project-promises-to-amplify-reach-of-great-lakes-climate-reporting/

Push for state regulation of sand and gravel mining draws opposition in Michigan

On: September 23, 2021

In: Echo

Proposed state regulation of sand and gravel mining would wrest control from local authorities and could lead to a similar loss of authority over other issues, according to local and environmental officials.

The post Push for state regulation of sand and gravel mining draws opposition in Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/23/push-for-state-regulation-of-sand-and-gravel-mining-draws-opposition-in-michigan/

Michigan’s growing hemp industry faces roadblocks

On: September 21, 2021

In: Echo

Michigan’s hemp industry could get up to $100 million in federal funds to help it compete globally under a proposal pushed by a nationwide growers association.

The post Michigan’s growing hemp industry faces roadblocks first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/21/michigans-growing-hemp-industry-faces-roadblocks/

Business rivals indicted for ginseng trafficking

On: September 13, 2021

In: Echo, Law

A federal grand jury has indicted two business rivals in Western Pennsylvania for alleged interstate trafficking in wild ginseng, a perennial herb whose root is valued for its reputed aphrodisiac and medicinal properties, including as a panacea or cure-all for some diseases.

The post Business rivals indicted for ginseng trafficking first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/09/13/business-rivals-indicted-for-ginseng-trafficking/

Eric Freedman

Climate change calls on us to learn to live with fire

On: August 27, 2021

In: Echo, fire

Climate change presents an opportunity for Michiganders to change their relationship with fire.

The post Climate change calls on us to learn to live with fire first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/27/climate-change-calls-on-us-to-learn-to-live-with-fire/

The prescription for Michigan: More fire

On: August 25, 2021

In: Echo, fire

Many barriers to meeting Michigan’s ecological needs for fire are rooted in resources and bureaucracy.

The post The prescription for Michigan: More fire first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/25/the-prescription-for-michigan-more-fire/

Tree-ring research illuminates early fire history of Lower Michigan

On: August 23, 2021

In: Echo, fire

Michigan’s fire history, as told by its fire-scarred tree stumps, has something to say about the future of fire.

The post Tree-ring research illuminates early fire history of Lower Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/23/tree-ring-research-illuminates-early-fire-history-of-lower-michigan/

State sampling surface waters to assess quality

On: August 11, 2021

In: Echo

By McKoy Scribner Capital News Service The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is assessing the state’s water quality, something that’s necessary in a state that’s rich in water resources. The department is conducting its annual surface water sampling to protect human health and aquatic life and to maintain recreational suitability. Water sampling is […]

The post State sampling surface waters to assess quality first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/11/state-sampling-surface-waters-to-assess-quality/

Sarah Douglas: From Lake Ontario to the Tokyo Olympics

On: July 26, 2021

In: canada, Echo, olympics

Canada has nine sailors heading to the Olympics, six of which hail from the Great Lakes. Sarah Douglas is one of them.

The post Sarah Douglas: From Lake Ontario to the Tokyo Olympics first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/26/sarah-douglas-from-lake-ontario-to-the-tokyo-olympics/

Michigan county health department on lookout for mosquito-borne diseases

On: July 23, 2021

In: Catch of the Day, Echo

Mosquitoes are out in full force this summer, which also means a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

The post Michigan county health department on lookout for mosquito-borne diseases first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/23/michigan-county-health-department-on-lookout-for-mosquito-borne-diseases/

Search for Isle Royale’s bone bounty yields environmental clues, new friends, wilderness salvation

On: July 21, 2021

In: Echo

Since 1988, the Isle Royale Moosewatch Expedition has sought volunteer backpackers for a community science project.

The post Search for Isle Royale’s bone bounty yields environmental clues, new friends, wilderness salvation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/21/search-for-isle-royales-bone-bounty-yields-environmental-clues-new-friends-wilderness-salvation/

Researchers find relationship between invasive zebra mussels, toxic algae

On: July 8, 2021

In: Echo, podcasts

Scientists from the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station first noticed an invasive population of zebra mussels in Gull Lake in the mid-1990s.

The post Researchers find relationship between invasive zebra mussels, toxic algae first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/08/researchers-find-relationship-between-invasive-zebra-mussels-toxic-algae/

Guilty plea expected in Allegheny River pollution case

On: July 6, 2021

In: Catch of the Day, contaminants, Echo, Law, pollution

A former supervisor of a Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority plant is expected to plead guilty to a felony charge for allegedly ordering employees to discharge sludge into the Allegheny River.

The post Guilty plea expected in Allegheny River pollution case first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/06/guilty-plea-expected-in-allegheny-river-pollution-case/

Eric Freedman

Campus works to become more pollinator-friendly

On: July 2, 2021

In: Echo, native plants, pollinators

In an effort to battle invasive species, Michigan State University is becoming a more welcoming place for bees, butterflies and other native pollinators.

The post Campus works to become more pollinator-friendly first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/07/02/campus-works-to-become-more-pollinator-friendly/