PFAS Roundup: Minnesota votes to continue conservation and PFAS cleanup, Indiana ends firefighter foam collection program
Catch the latest Great Lakes PFAS news.
New Federal Funds Aim to Cut Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution From US Ports
Four states in the Midwest will share more than $200 million in grants, which officials say will help improve air quality in communities long burdened by environmental harms.
He’ll try, but Trump can’t stop the clean energy revolution
The cost of renewables is plummeting, heat pumps are selling like crazy, and red states are raking in cash from the IRA.
Can environmental law move beyond bedrock 1970’s legislation, while adapting to current and future challenges?
To gain a better understanding of how environmental law has evolved, Great Lakes Now spoke with three environmental law attorneys.
Amish Farmers’ Partnership With Beef Giant Produces Manure Mess
Water pollution found in in three counties in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
What Trump can do to reverse US climate policy − and what he probably can’t change
As the U.S. prepares for another Trump administration, one area unambiguously in the incoming president’s crosshairs is climate policy.
Presenting Atlas Obscura: The Mysterious Sinkholes of Mount Baldy
One family’s visit to a famous Indiana sand dune turns into a wild tale of a missing boy and mysterious tunnels.
Energy News Roundup: More energy transition ups and downs
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
National Park Service Issues Landmark Order for Tribal Consultations
The new order codifies existing policies while expanding the National Park Service’s Tribal engagement.
4 things to know about a youth-led court case against Ontario’s climate plans
Ontario’s highest court says seven youth have a right to challenge the province in cutting its emissions targets.
Trump Wins, Planet Loses
With control of the White House and the Senate, Republicans are poised to upend U.S. climate policy.
Public hearing draws on big questions about Upper Peninsula copper mining
In Gogebic County, on the western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, towering old-growth evergreens carpet the landscape as it rolls down toward the deep blue of Lake Superior.
The race for clean energy is local
A couple hundred overlooked public officials control the U.S. power grid — and some of them are on your ballots.
Students at Michigan State and Wisconsin win EPA funding for environmental health innovations
Students from Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin are among the winners of a contest for innovations in sustainability.
Wisconsin communities receive $273M for drinking water projects
State awards financial aid to 86 communities for projects to address lead pipes, PFAS contamination.
Great Lakes Moment: Sacred Grounds
Restoring habitats and supporting green infrastructure with houses of worship in Detroit.
Waves of Change: Meet Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary founder Rebeka Ndosi
Rebeka Ndosi — founder of Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary — is a healer, teacher, public speaker and community coach.
Competing Visions for U.S. Auto Industry Clash in Presidential Election, With the EV Future Pressing at the Border
“The outcome of the election can have a very significant impact on the potential growth rate of EVs in the U.S. market.”
Up to 3.2M in Michigan may be getting water from PFAS-tainted aquifers
With lots of domestic well users and plenty of polluting industries, Michiganders are among the nation’s most likely to have ‘forever chemicals’ in their well water, according to a landmark federal study.
Ohio environmental advocates weigh in on 2024 presidential candidates’ stance on climate change
Advocates say Democrats and Republicans are leagues apart on climate change, so when looking for a climate-minded candidate, it’s best to turn to past actions and statements.
Carp Catch-22: Could improvements in Chicago waterways invite unwelcome guests?
New research suggests pollution from Chicago-area waterways might be creating an invisible barrier, deterring migration. But for how long?
A Foraged Great Lakes Woodland Chai Tea
As the season shifts and the air chills, the warmth and sustenance that the wild foods of fall offer become evermore appealing, among these appealing concoctions is Woodland Chai Tea.
2024 Election: State and Local Voters Consider Tax Increases for Water Protection
See how Minnesota and New York stack up against other states across the nation with water on the ballot.
Spooky Lake Superior: The SS Kamloops
Just in time for Halloween, learn about the SS Kamloops — an eerie story about a shipwreck in Lake Superior, and “Old Whitey” who seems to follow divers around the wreck.
Points North: The Biggest Buck That Maybe Never Was
In 1998, a hunter named Mitch Rompola claimed he’d shot the biggest whitetail in North America. It was all over the news, but instead of becoming a famous hunter, he became an infamous one.
Nibi Chronicles: Manoomin as medicine
The biochemical benefits of manoomin, or wild rice, according to collaborative research being done at the University of Minnesota.
PFAS Roundup: Vice President Harris supports Michigan-led plan to provide medical care for military victims of PFAS
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Climate change isn’t a top issue in this election. Some Wisconsin voters say it should be.
In polls, climate change ranks near the bottom of voters’ list of concerns.
Great Lakes most unwanted: Top 10 invasive species
Researchers make sense of the extensive variety and effects of invasive species.
The climate stakes of the Harris-Trump election
From public health to public lands, here are 15 ways the next president could affect the climate and your life.
Freighters on the Move
Freighter food, mail delivery, and the life of a Great Lakes freighter pilot.
The nation’s first commercial carbon storage plant is in Illinois. It leaks.
The leaks occurred at an ADM well in Decatur that’s part of a booming industry that promises to capture planet-warming carbon dioxide underground. ADM insists the well is safe, but locals are worried.
Virtual Town Hall: What does the election mean for Great Lakes climate and environment?
Great Lakes Now Host Anna Sysling moderated a panel of journalists as they spoke about the big topics they’re covering in advance of voting day.
I Speak for the Fish: Where’s the line in fisheries research?
Netting, tagging, shocking, sampling — a lot of things are done to fish in the name of science. So, it begs the question, who decides what can be done to Great Lakes fish?
Consequences of less ice on lakes due to climate change
A study in the journal Science outlines the many consequences of the loss of ice on lakes because of climate change. Fishing, cultural activities, transportation, water quality, and greenhouse gas releases are all consequences of the loss of lake ice coverage.
Michigan a top winner of climate funds Trump wants to revoke
If elected, Trump has vowed to revoke unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, a climate spending law that has heavily benefitted Michigan governments and industry. But experts say it wouldn’t be easy.
Federal aid to rescue Michigan cherry farmers after devastating crop loss
Federal aid is coming to Michigan’s sweet cherry farmers, who lost much of their crops this year due to erratic weather patterns and subsequent pest infestations.
Energy News Roundup: Retirement is in sight for another huge coal plant
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
Two high school students want to keep trash out of the Great Lakes. They think rivers are the key
Using trackers to follow the path of plastic bottles in rivers around the Greater Toronto Area, the students found hot spots for garbage before it enters Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
How northern Michiganders can help people affected by hurricanes
Organizations from northern Michigan have been sending people to assist with relief efforts on the ground. Here are some ways to help from home.
The lonely Lake Superior caribou and a lesson in limits
Ontario’s southernmost herd illustrates how hard it is to bring a species back from the brink — and why we need to recognize tipping points before we reach them.
Environmental groups and industry at odds over plan to conserve old-growth forests
Environmentalists say the plan doesn’t go far enough while industry says no action is needed.
What a Trump vs. Harris presidency might mean for the Great Lakes
Michigan and Ohio are key for continued Great Lakes restoration support. Line 5, groundwater and an emphasis on science make experts list.
This Historic Ship Runs on Coal. Can It Find a New Way Forward?
Owners of the S.S. Badger, one of the last coal-fired ships in the world, are trying to decarbonize. They recently received government funding that would help.
Points North: A New Hope for Anishinaabemowin
When Theresa Eischen heard about the original Star Wars film being translated into Anishinaabemowin, she auditioned for Princess Leia. She had zero voice acting experience, so it was a long shot.
PFAS Roundup: Over $3M awarded to MSU scientists to address PFAS in agriculture, Wisconsin tackles PFAS during hunting season
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Wisconsin towns are trying to limit CAFO growth. Big Dairy is fighting back.
The state’s dairy industry is suing towns over denied permits and environmental regulations.
Swing state voters along the Great Lakes love cleaner water and beaches − and candidates from both parties have long fished for support there
For decades, presidential candidates from both major parties have committed to cleaning up and protecting the Great Lakes. Here’s why.
Ohio Department of Agriculture is working to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly
With spotted lanternfly populations on the rise in Ohio, experts are weighing their response. 12 counties are under quarantine on the transportation of plant material.
A decade after Flint, feds require nationwide lead pipe removal
A rule finalized Tuesday gives water providers across the country 10 years to get lead pipes out of their drinking water systems.
Great Lakes Moment: Mink thriving along the Detroit River
Next time you are on the Detroit River, keep an eye peeled for a mink! This keystone species is now thriving along this once-polluted river.
Midwest States Struggle to Fund Dam Safety Projects, Even as Federal Aid Hits Historic Highs
Many dams in the Midwest do not meet grant eligibility requirements, leaving safety officials and residents worried about how they’ll prevent future collapses as flood risks increase.
Energy News Roundup: Kwik Trip goes electric as federal funds flow in
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
Michigan’s New Rules To Protect Water From Manure Attacked By Lawmakers
State is a center of manure biodigester development.
Joliet, Illinois, Plans to Source Its Future Drinking Water From Lake Michigan. Will Other Cities Follow?
As aquifers dry up, some Midwest communities are looking to the region’s greatest natural resources for a solution.
National ballast water standards only apply to new vessels on the Great Lakes
Existing Great Lakes vessels are exempt from installing treatment systems to control the spread of invasive species.
Waves of Change: Meet Just Transition Northwest Indiana executive director Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams is committed to realizing a just and equitable transition for her community.
How do fish survive in large urban waterways, like the Chicago River?
The Chicago River’s hardened shorelines, stormwater pollution events and limited habitat would seem inhospitable to fish. Yet, native species are finding ways to call the city home.
PFAS Roundup: Minnesota PFAS regulation said to be the strictest
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Chicago’s beach season is over … or is it? Lake Michigan temps are breaking records.
Lake Michigan’s surface temperature has been above average nearly every day this year so far. All five Great Lakes are heating up.
Nibi Chronicles: The Gift of Manoomin
The rice harvest — manoominike — has officially started across Ojibwe country. Columnist Staci Lola Drouillard talks with her cousin about harvesting and processing wild rice, as well as the importance of water quality for growing “the good berry.”
Points North: The Last to Leave
A researcher in Ohio was surrounded by hundreds of dead ash trees. They had been wiped out by the emerald ash borer. But in that same forest, she found a lone tree thriving. Could this be the key to saving ash from extinction?
Traverse City lawyer gets national recognition for making economic arguments against coal
Chris Bzdok has argued to state regulators that utility customers shouldn’t have to pay for coal infrastructure, because the investment isn’t worth it in the long run.
Groundwater: Who’s in charge?
As groundwater resources are increasingly under threat in the U.S. — including the Great Lakes region — regulation, oversight and planning for the long-term are diffused and often lacking.
Deep Dives and Rising Waters
The future of rising lake levels, Great Lakes shipwrecks, and the secret lives of fish.
Wisconsin officials ask the public to report algal blooms in Lake Superior
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is banking on public oversight to help gauge the threat of algal blooms.
A tiny, endangered fish lies on the path of Highway 413. Canada has a plan, but no new power to protect it
The new recovery strategy isn’t likely to tip the scales in the fish’s favor.
Retirements by water and wastewater plant operators are leading to workforce shortages
Baby boomers are part of a “silver tsunami” of retirements sweeping across the nation’s drinking water and wastewater systems.
Trying to build a more climate-resilient Chicago, one balloon at a time
Data collected by weather balloons in various Chicago neighborhoods should help scientists better understand extreme heat in the city.
Chicago reveals climate havens don’t exist — they must be created
Extreme heat and precipitation events are becoming more frequent and intense in Chicago. It’s the city’s preparation efforts that will determine climate resiliency.
After 10 million pieces of beach trash, Chicago advocates push for sustainable packaging
As plastic items dominate beach littering, Alliance for the Great Lakes’ says we need to ramp up reusable items and sustainable packaging. What about personal responsibility?
Energy News Roundup: Michigan, Michigan, Michigan
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
Who is working to preserve and restore wetlands in Metro Detroit?
Most Michigan wetlands have been destroyed, even as climate change means we need their benefits. Here’s how groups are working to change that.
Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear case with broad implications for PFAS cleanup
The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear a case that could have sweeping effects on state environmental regulators’ authority to force businesses to clean up PFAS pollution under the state’s spills law.
Northeast Ohio composters reduce emissions from food waste, one pile at a time
Akron-based organizations are working to reduce food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions, by diverting food scraps from landfills to compost piles.
I Speak for the Fish: A Sturgeon goes to Wisconsin and a Michigan muskie visits New York
An elaborate system for tracking fish movements is rewriting our understanding of how fish use the Great Lakes.
Points North: Labor of Mixed Emotions
For more than 20 years, Nic Theisen has spent his days on his hands and knees in the dirt farming. It’s a tough way to make a living, and for years Nic didn’t always know if the farm would make it. Until something big changed.
Major federal funding aims to speed transition to clean energy in the rural Midwest
A rural electric cooperative that serves Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin is getting more than $570 million to develop four wind solar installations and four wind power installations.
PFAS Roundup: Four Great Lakes states selected to test residents annually for environmental chemical exposure
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Michigan’s ambitious clean energy laws face a peninsula-sized hurdle
Natural gas power plants put in place just five years ago to replace coal in the state’s Upper Peninsula are now a conundrum for regulators.
Palisades nuclear relaunch gets more subsidies in Michigan — and more backlash
The federal government will provide more than $600 million to help two rural electricity cooperatives buy money from the nuclear plant. While proponents celebrate, anti-nuclear activists say the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Gun Lake Tribe Releases Lake Sturgeon into Kalamazoo River for 2024 Nmé Celebration
A couple hundred people gathered to witness the release of the sturgeon, known as nmé to the Potawatomi, with many children participating by helping to release the fish by hand.
Tribal nations in Michigan get grants totaling more than $38 million to reduce greenhouse emissions
The U.S. EPA announced four tribes in Michigan would receive grants to install renewable energy infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
25 years after a major toxic lead cleanup, westside neighbors still don’t feel safe
Residents want more soil testing to prevent future harm from contamination that’s plagued their neighborhood for decades.
Farmers turn to ‘predator-proof’ fences to deter wolves in northern Wisconsin
So far, no wolves have killed livestock within the fences on farms where they’ve been installed.
Cheryl Porter’s vision for the future of water
With 28 years of experience in the water sector, Cheryl Porter shares her inspiring journey from junior chemist in Detroit to leading the American Water Works Association.
Michigan advocates hail ‘groundbreaking’ settlement to civil rights complaint over hazardous waste facility
New requirements to consider cumulative impacts in hazardous waste facility licensing could represent a shift in state permitting practices.
Foraged Fruit and Nuts: Wild Apples & Abundant Acorns
Autumn brings with it a bounty of fruits and nuts that often go unnoticed in our modern culinary landscape. Among the most abundant and overlooked are acorns and wild apples.
Great Lakes Moment: Ten natural wonders of The Great Lakes Way
Get your bicycle or kayak ready and consider adding these close-to-home natural wonders to your Great Lakes adventure bucket list.
Points North: A Natural Ending
Peter Quakenbush’s dream is to create a conservation burial forest – a place that would both preserve the woods and give people the option to be buried in nature. But not everyone is on board with that idea.
‘These are not your lands to give away’: 6 First Nations take Ontario to court over mining law
Indigenous communities in Ontario are flooded with mining claims that chip away at their territories. It’s a “racist, colonialist” system, the lawyer leading a new court case said.
Nibi Chronicles: A conversation about Ojibwe history in Fur Trade Nation
On Carl Gawboy’s new book Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History and how it’s “a field guide to the Ojibwe.”
Americans love nature but don’t feel empowered to protect it, new research shows
New research shows that Americans have positive feelings toward nature but also detects strong undertones of longing, guilt and worry.
Southeast Michigan facility will soon house waste from the Manhattan Project
A southeast Michigan waste disposal site will soon be home to nuclear waste from the Manhattan Project, the World War II effort to develop an atomic bomb.
U.S. Movement to Limit CAFO Pollution Emboldened by Michigan Court Ruling
State Supreme Court strengthens authority to prevent mammoth tide of manure from contaminating water.
Michigan aims to tackle clean energy goals in Upper Peninsula
As part of the state’s energy transition, the Public Service Commission has to pay special attention to the Upper Peninsula and the natural gas plants that went online there just five years ago.
Cleaning up pollution and removing crumbling dams help to restore Michigan rivers
Michigan is removing some of its abandoned and obsolete dams. The benefits include cleaning up pollution and restoring nature.
Old Boats and New Adventures
Heritage sailing on Lake Huron and a historic passenger ship returns to its former glory.
Advocates urge Hogsett to save Indy’s at-risk urban forests
The proposed 2025 city budget lacks funding to protect urban forests.
Storied Two Hearted River gets 21st century update in new book
Author and hydrologist Bob Otwell calls for an end to “inertia” and “lip service” on climate change and expresses concern for Michigan’s groundwater.
PFAS Roundup: Wisconsin PFAS remediation funds still frozen due to partisan divide
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Points North: Frankenfish
Lake trout are on life support in Lake Michigan. Every year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spends tens of millions of dollars raising and stocking them. But what if there was another way: genetic engineering. Could it be used for conservation?
Great Lakes Beach Closings Are No Protection From Harmful Pollutants
Updated water testing technology needed to make Great Lakes safer.
Great Lakes Learning: Recovering renewable resources
Lessons and activities based on the monthly Great Lakes Now program.
A New Paradigm: How climate change is shaping mental landscapes in the Great Lakes
A changing climate is causing psychological distress across the Great Lakes. From the loss of heritage crops, disappearing ice and record-breaking floods, residents across the region are looking for new forms of support.
I Speak for the Fish: Hand-feeding a rainbow trout is fun, but is it ethical?
To feed or not to feed is the question at hand. Kathy Johnson dives into the ethics of feeding fish.
Energy News Roundup: New household rebates are on their way (and some are already here)
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
Toxic blooms on Lake Erie still a problem 10 years after Toledo issued a ‘do not drink’ order
It’s been ten years since Toledo issued a ‘don not drink’ order for its water system for three days due to cyanobacterial blooms near its water intake in Lake Erie. The blooms are not any worse, but they are not any less.
Michigan joins federal program that collects native flora and champions restoration
Seeds of Success, a federal program that conserves and restores native flora, has come to Michigan.
South Shore residents are fed up with garbage on their streets
The community has more reports of sanitation code violations than any South Side neighborhood.
Chicago teachers demand climate solutions in their next contract
“That contract means nothing if our Earth is on fire.”
Oberlin Food Hub brings fresh produce to Ohio’s food banks while supporting local farmers
The Oberlin Food Hub facilitates a supportive network of Ohio’s small and midsized farmers to connect them with customers while delivering fresh produce to communities in need.
Cattle Production That Enhances Water and Environmental Quality
Michigan State’s Jason Rowntree is out to prove that ranching is an ecological asset.
PFAS Roundup: Government of Canada introduces potential plan for product-related PFAS regulation
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Great Lakes Learning: Solar power in every season
Lessons and activities based on the monthly Great Lakes Now program.
Harnessing Mussels to Filter Fresh Water
A biological cure for contaminants is being studied.
How many manure spills is too many? St. Croix County residents scrutinize big farm’s new owner
The new owner of a large dairy farm with a history of manure spills is seeking to build trust among residents who worry about water quality.
Missed calls, forgotten instructions: Inside an oil spill cleanup on Toronto waterways
A provincial spill report details a list of issues that arose as crews responded to an oil spill in two Toronto creeks that eventually made its way to Lake Ontario.
Michigan’s electric energy future could be wasting away in a junk drawer
Valuable critical materials are sitting in junk drawers. Michigan is working with electronics manufacturers and researchers to recirculate these products back into the state’s economy.
Operation Manoomin: Restoring Wild Rice along the Detroit River
To reestablish the Potawatomi’s presence along the Detroit River, the local Indigenous group is interested in partnering on a project to restore wild rice in protected areas in and along the river.
In Significant Decision For Michigan’s Waters, State Supreme Court Rules EGLE Has Authority To Do Its Job
Decision sets stage for stemming mammoth tide of farm pollution in Great Lakes State.
A Decade After Crisis, Algal Blooms Persist
Efforts to cut nutrients in Lake Erie remain ineffective.
Points North: Shooting a Unicorn
Two guys are hunting coyotes in Michigan, and say they lure in the biggest coyote they’ve ever seen. But it’s not a coyote at all — it’s a federally endangered gray wolf about 300 miles from its normal habitat. How did it get there?
On Lake Michigan, a coal-fired steamship and ferry eyes a clean-energy future
For seven decades, the SS Badger has ferried people and goods across Lake Michigan while polluting the air with black smoke. The ship’s new owners are considering greener options.
Energy News Roundup: Amid national attention, Great Lakes states continue their push to electrify
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
TCAPS bond could mean more energy efficiency for schools
Voters in the Traverse City area will choose whether to approve a $180 million bond for the school district to pay for what officials see as nuts and bolts upgrades to buildings. For some, it’s a chance for schools to become more energy efficient.
From pet to ‘monster.’ The battle to rid Michigan’s Glen Lake of giant koi
When released into the wild, koi compete against fish and damage native plant life. Preservation experts partnered with bowfishers to remove invasive koi to keep the ecosystem safe.
Great Lakes Learning: The science of skiing
Lessons and activities based on the monthly Great Lakes Now program.
‘Containment breached’: How an oil spill in northwest Toronto made its way to Lake Ontario
Last summer, contaminated sludge from a fire at a chemical plant reached Lake Ontario. The spill report raises questions about what the province told the public.
Raising monarch butterflies in Interlochen
An effort to raise dozens of monarch butterfly caterpillars can not only teach summer campers about the insects, but is also an effort to call attention to the threats monarchs face.
Former state toxicologist says nitrate drinking water standards are too lax
A former Wisconsin state toxicologist who was involved in creating nitrate standards for drinking water alleges the science that has informed those standards for decades is flawed.
When the Heat Is On, Water Can Still Be Off in Great Lakes Cities
Formal water shutoff policies in some cities are ill-defined for extreme heat.
What the overturning Chevron deference means for the Great Lakes
The history of the Chevron precedent and how advocates can work within this new legal landscape to protect the future of the Great Lakes.
Ojibwemodaa! Let’s speak Ojibwe!
On the complicated history of naming a place and the value of language.
PFAS Roundup: EPA adds 12 more versions of PFAS to freshwater fish monitoring while federal farm bills focus on “forever chemicals”
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Making up for lost trees
Canadian conservation groups purchase land from farmers to increase biodiversity around the Great Lakes region.
Canadian wildfires are heating up, bringing smoke to Michigan
This year’s fires are much smaller than 2023’s historic blazes. However, persistent dry conditions in Western Canada could mean more fires and smoke are coming.
Protecting the Lakes from Pollution
Updates on Lake Erie algal blooms, Flint’s water, and coal ash regulation.
Heat, pollution, and climate change anxiety are affecting children
Hotter days make heat exhaustion a greater hazard for kids. Unusual weather events, particularly storms that cause flooding, add stress to children’s lives.
Great Lakes Learning: Superior waters warming
Lessons and activities based on the monthly Great Lakes Now program.
Detroit legislator takes the long view on Michigan’s water affordability struggles
“There are people counting on us to get this done,” says Senator Stephanie Chang in a Great Lakes Now interview.
Points North: Pedaling to the Beat of His Own Drum
There’s this biker in the Upper Peninsula. He competes in some of the most challenging mountain bike races, but he doesn’t even ride one. He competes on a single-speed BMX bike. Why does he do it?
Seneca Nation Sues City for More than 450,000 Gallons of Wastewater Overflow
The Seneca Nation of western New York officially filed a Notice of a Claim against the City of Olean after its city’s wastewater treatment plant overflowed into the Nation’s waterways for the second time this year.
Green infrastructure job trainings aim to support growing field
As more green infrastructure projects are installed across the state, more workers are needed to maintain them. Local organizations offer training for workers who want to expand their skills.
Energy News Roundup: Climate change, energy transition are transforming the Great Lakes region
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
Ship doomed on Lake Michigan now moored on National Register of Historic Places
A Detroit-built sailing ship that sank in Lake Michigan during an 1864 storm has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Lake Erie Charter Life
Getting folks out to fish in Ohio means long hours, collaborating and cooperating.
Great Lakes Learning: All about aquaculture
Lessons and activities based on the monthly Great Lakes Now program.
Foraged Flavors of the Sun: High Summer Wild Herbs and Plants
High summer brings an explosion of wild herbs and edible flowers like elderflower, Queen Anne’s lace, monarda, and chicory. Discover where to find and forage these delightful, edible plants and how these can add extraordinary flavors and colors to your summer dishes.
To tackle climate change, Michigan enlists a ‘corps’ of volunteers
To prepare local communities for climate change, Michigan and other states are borrowing from a long American tradition of civilian service programs. Meet the inaugural members of the MI Healthy Climate Corps.
I Speak for the Fish: The Quest for a Largemouth
Largemouth are like 8-year-old English bulldogs; fierce guardians of their own with a standoffish demeanor and no interest in making friends.
New Michigan law requires homeowners associations to allow rooftop solar
Supporters say it’s a step toward making rooftop solar and other energy efficiency measures more accessible to many in Michigan who belong to an HOA.
What is a liquid? Utilities sue to avoid coal ash cleanup — and lose
With the definition resolved, will the EPA come for polluting coal plants?
PFAS News Roundup: End of Chevron deference may intensify drinking water contamination by further delaying PFAS cleanup, experts warn
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
As climate change alters lakes, tribes and conservationists fight for the future of spearfishing
As a result of warming waters, walleye numbers in some lakes are dwindling. Losing the species would mean losing a food source for community members, and a deep connection to tradition and nature.
FEMA will now consider climate change when it rebuilds after floods
The federal agency is overhauling its disaster rules in a bid to end a cycle of rebuilding in unsafe areas.
Great Lakes Learning: Bringing back buffalo reef
Lessons and activities based on the monthly Great Lakes Now program.
Waves of Change: Meet Environmental Justice Public Advocate Regina Strong
We spoke with Regina Strong, Environmental Justice Public Advocate at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
A cleaner Cuyahoga River faces a growing threat from stormwater runoff
As work continues to alleviate the impact of pollution on the Cuyahoga River, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District is beginning to tackle the emerging threat from stormwater runoff.
Beaver Island takes early steps to test wave energy in its waters
Wave energy converters use the movement of the water to generate electricity. A research team from the University of Michigan will spend the next couple years developing a prototype to install in the waters off the island.
This SCOTUS decision may make it harder to protect Michigan air and water
The Chevron decision could jeopardize federal policies addressing PFAS pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Remote-controlled robots cleaning up small Michigan beaches
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is using a couple of roving robots on tracks to sift through the sand on beaches, cleaning up debris.
Environmentalists appeal Michigan regulators’ approval of pipeline tunnel project
Environmentalists are challenging Michigan regulators’ decision to approve encasing part of an aging Enbridge Energy oil pipeline that runs beneath a channel connecting two Great Lakes, arguing that they failed to properly consider alternatives that would minimize climate impacts.
A Symbol of Survival: Red Pine Peels and Ojibwe Canoe Factories
Anthropologists discovered trees harvested for canoes during the fur trade formed a healing lobe like a scar. A symbol of survival — for the trees and for the Indigenous people of the border country.
How much can wetland restoration reduce farm fertilizers getting into Lake Erie?
Michigan has a program to restore a large wetland area to reduce fertilizer runoff from getting into Lake Erie because it feeds toxic cyanobacterial blooms that spread in the western basin.
Wild Berry Bonanza: Juicy Jewels of the Great Lakes Summer
Summer in the Great Lakes region is a magical time, with long, warm days and the sweet taste of freshly picked berries.
Detroit deaf and hard of hearing kids have a role in climate resilience
AADHH received a $5,000 climate action plan grant to support Detroit’s climate resilience goals, including a community garden and solar panels.
Great Lakes Moment: An ecosystem approach
A method for co-producing knowledge and co-innovating holistic ecological solutions in natural resource management.
Waves of Change: Meet Little Village Environmental Justice Organization executive director Kim Wasserman
Kim Wasserman played a major role in a years-long campaign to close two Chicago coal plants that were negatively impacting residents’ health.
Inside is Not the Answer: Air quality in the Great Lakes
The hidden impact of outdoor air pollution in the Great Lakes region is the public health epidemic of poor indoor air quality.
PFAS News Roundup: Ohio train derailment likely spilled PFAS and other chemicals across 16 states, including most Great Lakes
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
From Waters to Table: The story of the Great Lakes whitefish
Some experts fear the total collapse of whitefish in just a few years. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Natural Resources Department is taking steps to ensure the future of this culturally important fish in the Great Lakes Basin.
Expecting smoke to be a more frequent part of seasonal planning
Experts say the wildfire smoke in the Great Lakes region, in 2023, was unique and will likely continue to be the case. However, some conditions making fires more likely are being exacerbated by climate change.
Michigan medical students fight to make climate change part of curriculum
Doctors need to understand how climate change plays a role in health, so Michigan medical students are pushing for climate health education in their programs.
Surviving a metro Detroit summer in the climate change era
A recording of our live webinar on summer in Southeast Michigan– extended heat waves, high-intensity rainstorms and worsening air quality.
Cornish Roots & Nettle Shoots: A Foraged Pasty Recipe from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
By blending the old with the new — traditional recipes with wild, foraged foods — we not only preserve our culinary heritage but also embrace a sustainable approach to eating and land conservation that honors both our past and our planet and our collective future.
Points North: Copper Country’s Conundrum
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is Copper Country. Some see copper mining as an economic boon for the region, but others worry it could come at the cost of some of the Great Lakes’ most pristine wild spaces.
Audit finds mix of successes, problems with Great Lakes restoration grants
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has improved conditions in polluted lakes and rivers, but sometimes failed to deliver on environmental justice goals.
Millions sweating it out as heat wave nears peak from Midwest to Maine
A heat wave extending from the Midwest to New England moved closer to a breaking point Thursday, with millions of people sweating it out for another day.
Energy News Roundup: Great Lakes shipping industry says it could use decarbonization funding too
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news in Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.
Heat Islands in the Great Lakes: Community, infrastructure and fresh water solutions
Heat is becoming a threat in cities everywhere. Here is the second half of our two-part series which looks at the connection between heat and health, the role water plays, what’s being done, and where these cities have room to improve.
Reef Rescue and Wild Edibles
Cleaning up toxins caused by copper mining, and foraging for Great Lakes wild foods.
Why some municipalities are looking at putting solar panels on water
Floating solar panels are somewhat new in the U.S. In some places, the competition for land makes putting solar panel on plastic rafts feasible.
Canada-U.S. mayors want to tap Great Lakes region’s water for economic transformation
“Sustainable prosperity” and innovation are key to mayors’ 10-year plan. Expert says economic transition from the Rust Belt era is more appropriate, cautions “today’s abundance may be tomorrow’s drought.”
I Speak for the Fish: What’s a true bass?
White bass are like freshwater wolves: elusive, with a love of wide open spaces and killer teamwork.
PFAS News Roundup: Michigan farmer threatens to sue EPA over PFAS
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Heat Islands in the Great Lakes: The human health cost
Heat is becoming a threat in cities everywhere. Here is part one of our two-part series that takes a looks at the connection between heat and health, the role water plays, what’s being done and where these cities have room to improve.
Butterflies race for state insect status
Three butterflies are racing to become Michigan’s official state insect – and one of them is ahead, at least politically.
Birders flock to the Capitol to urge lawmakers to pass bills to improve the environment
Audubon Great Lakes members held an advocacy day for the first time in Michigan. Wetlands topped the agenda, but was just one item in a list to improve the environment.
Points North: To catch an arsonist
It’s a dry spring – 1984 in Wisconsin – and all these suspicious fires are popping up. A conservation warden named Dave is pretty sure it’s arson, but he can’t catch a break. So, he and a pilot decide to get creative.
A freighter ship in Lake Superior collided with something underwater, Coast Guards says
The U.S. Coast Guard says a freighter in Lake Superior has hit something underwater and started taking on water.
Energy News Roundup: Coal ash still a concern in Indiana Superfund town near Lake Michigan
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
‘None of us saw this coming’: Michigan confronts bird flu in cows
Michigan is requiring more biosecurity measures on farms because of an outbreak of bird flu in dairy herds.
Michigan Bottlers Still Get Free Water, Despite Governor’s Tough Talk
Tough talk followed a public outcry six years ago, but the push for policy reforms and monetary compensation has petered out.
Indiana attorney general fights EPA rule that would reduce pollution on Indy’s west side
The state denied, for now, an application to destroy wetlands.
Drugs, microplastics and forever chemicals: New contaminants emerge in the Great Lakes
Scientists studying unregulated “emerging contaminants” say Ontario and the federal government need a coordinated plan to protect our water and health
Great Lakes Moment: Birds of a feather flock together
American white pelicans were considered “a rare vagrant” to Lake Erie up until 2014. Then, sightings of these fascinating waterbirds became more common.
Wisconsin’s Jane Elder chronicles personal and professional Great Lake’s journey in new book
Coming of age in the 1970s, Jane Elder “cared about the environment and wanted to be in that space.” Now, Elder is concerned with today’s lack of oversight on climate change in the Great Lakes region.
Nibi Chronicles: Krishna’s quest for ticks
The hunt for tick varieties began after discovering that 30-40% of the local moose had “serological signs of having had Lyme Disease at some point.”
Waves of Change: Meet activist and We the People of Detroit president Monica Lewis-Patrick
Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.
Points North: A Struggle for Justice
More than 120 years ago, a Native American village in northern Michigan was burned down at the behest of a white land speculator. Now, the descendants of that village want the federal government to know they’re still here.
In warming Great Lakes region, water, heat can be an unhealthy combination
From mosquitoes to sewer overflows, the heat and moisture of a changing climate are creating new health threats in the Great Lakes region, prompting a call to educate residents and doctors about the risks.
PFAS News Roundup: 3M scientist exposes 50 years of PFAS deceit just as the ‘forever chemicals’ are found in Great Lakes precipitation
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Bald eagles nearly died out. What can we learn from their return to the southern Great Lakes?
The pesticide DDT nearly wiped out North America’s bald eagles. Communities, scientists and politicians worked hard to bring this symbolic bird back from the brink.
Saving Whitefish and Navigating Niagara
Teaching Lake Whitefish to thrive and getting up close at Niagara Falls.
I Speak For The Fish: Are muskies still the readers’ favorite?
My confidence that no other species had a chance of unseating muskies as the reader’s favorite seemed like a safe bet. But I was wrong.
It’s OK to mow in May − the best way to help pollinators is by adding native plants
“No Mow May” is a catchy concept, but it doesn’t provide the food that native North American pollinators need or lasting support for them.
Disappointed dogs, sad skiers, frustrated fishermen
Looking back on the warm, snowless winter that wreaked havoc on cherished outdoor recreation, and how Great Lakes communities made do.
Energy News Roundup: Industry groups fight federal emissions rules they say will hurt region
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
Dams may slow harmful algal blooms in urban lakes, expert says
Like clockwork, Michigan’s Ford Lake and its downstream neighbor, Belleville Lake, turn bright green every summer due to harmful algal blooms.
Wildfire Rampage Injures Lungs in the Great Lakes
People are unprepared for smoke from forest fires worsened by intense drought and heat.
Chicago groups spotlight the city’s water “abundance,” focus on innovation, collaboration as key to its future
“Innovation is integral to delivering on all of our water priorities,” says top executive. What about conservation?
Canadian wildfire smoke chokes upper Midwest for second straight year
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has prompted health warnings across the Upper Midwest and Montana for the second year in a row.
PFAS News Roundup: White House official visits Minnesota high school in town known as “ground zero” for PFAS
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in the Great Lakes region.
Meet the man who has been cleaning the Rouge River for 35 years
The Rouge River got a D+ in a recent report card, but after 35 years of river activism, Bill Craig still has the energy to clean it up.
Michigan author reflects on 20th anniversary of landmark book The Living Great Lakes
Author Jerry Dennis revisits his sailing journey from Lake Michigan to the Atlantic Ocean where he searched for “the heart of the inland seas.”
‘No Mow May’ grows in Traverse City
This spring, the Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden teamed up with the GT Butterfly House & Bug Zoo to encourage people to help out pollinators.
Foraging’s Spring Backyard Splendor: Dandelions and Violets
As spring unfolds its vibrant hues, what better way to celebrate the season than by embracing the often overlooked splendor of dandelions and violets?
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River’s important role in lake whitefish
In 2006, lake whitefish spawning was documented in the Detroit River for the first time since 1916. Today, the Detroit River proves essential to the survival of the species.
New Interagency Agreement Supports Water Tribal Water and Sanitation Projects
The Department of the Interior and Indian Health Service are partnering to develop safe drinking water and improve community sanitation across Indian Country, the agencies announced this week.
Energy News Roundup: Federal money pours in to accelerate energy transition
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
A Detroit renter’s quest for drinking water clarity
“My journey through the pipes of Lafayette Park revealed the importance of proactive measures and city-wide advocacy for clean, safe tap water.”
Indigenous peoples rush to stop ‘false climate solutions’ ahead of next international climate meeting
COP29 could make carbon markets permanent. Indigenous leaders are calling for a moratorium before it’s too late.
New study: Great Lakes beaches are littered with plastic trash
A group analyzed 20 years of beach cleanup data, finding that 86% of litter is composed at least partially of plastic.
The murky process of reopening Palisades and why it’s a turning point for nuclear
U.S. nuclear industry is closely watching Palisades, amid a surge of investments as demand climbs for low-carbon sources of electricity. Other recently shuttered nuclear plants could take a cue from Palisades.
Waves of Change: Meet educator and Friends of the Fox River president Gary Swick
Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.
Nibi Chronicles: The Return of Nenookaasiwag
An Ojibwe story about nenookaasiwag (hummingbirds) and how small actions lead to larger impact. With shared wisdom on how to properly care for your hummingbird feeder this season.
Points North: More Than Just a Filet of Fish
Iceland has figured out how to use almost 100% of every fish caught — not just the filet. By making things like durable leather, it’s increased the value of an Atlantic cod from about $15 to over $5,000. Can this approach help the struggling Great Lakes fishery?
Children of Flint water crisis make change as young environmental and health activists
Dozens of the children of Flint, Michigan’s lead-contaminated water crisis have turned their trauma into advocacy 10 years after it began.
PFAS News Roundup: PFAS are shown to be unique bipartisan voting concern in Wisconsin
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in this biweekly headline roundup.
Marbled crayfish raises eyebrows, and concerns
Cloning crustacean were found several miles from Lake Ontario.
Michigan gets $290M boost for water upgrades as Flint crisis anniversary nears
Money from a bond voters authorized in 2002 is a big one-time boost for Michigan’s crumbling water infrastructure, but state officials say more is needed.
Warming Waters and Mutant Crayfish
Sounding the alarm on an invasive crustacean and rising temperatures in Lake Superior.
A Fleeting Wild Taste of Spring Ephemerals: Ramps and Ostrich Fern
As the Great Lakes winter recedes, the forests from the shores of Lake Superior to Lake Erie begin to show signs of life. Among the first to announce spring are the ramps emerging in the undergrowth.
Ohio Birding Transitions
Amid climate and habitat concerns, the Biggest Week in American Birding festival will draw tens of thousands in May.
Great Lakes Now talks “Love Canal” with American Experience Executive Producer Cameo George
In the interview, we discuss storytelling that centers community advocacy, and the history and present of the environmental justice movement.
Finding creative new ways to manage invasive cattails
Scientists are thinking holistically about biodiversity, sustainability, and resilience when it comes to the role invasive cattails play in the Great Lakes.
Good news for Michigan smelt season: PFAS levels lower than feared
State officials warned against eating too much of the silvery panfish due to high PFAS levels. Scientists now say that was an error, but aren’t yet ready to abandon fish consumption advisories altogether.
Energy News Roundup: Key figure in Ohio bribery scandal dead by suicide
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news in Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.
Line 5 activist group wants Gov. Whitmer to “be an advocate” for shutdown
In a late move, the Department of Justice sides with Canada on continued operation of Line 5, citing treaty and the public’s interest.
Your Foraging Journey: A Framework to Sustainable and Safe Practices
An introduction to “A Year in the Wild Kitchen of the Great Lakes” — a content series in partnership with expert forager Lisa M. Rose with the mission of nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world through the lens of foraging.
I Speak for the Fish: Never underestimate a smallmouth
Smallmouth basses are like 3-year-old German Shepherds: powerful and intelligent with lethal guarding instincts.
Points North: The Quest for Kiyi
Small, silvery fish called kiyi used to roam the deep, cold waters of nearly every Great Lake. Remnant populations still exist in Lake Superior, and scientists are wondering: Can we find them?
Ghostly Grey Specters
How unprecedented water levels are fluctuating in the Georgian Bay, impacting the lives of long-standing residents, including humans and trees.
PFAS News Roundup: Landmark EPA decision implements first nation-wide PFAS limit in drinking water
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in this biweekly headline roundup.
Campbell Soup pollution lawsuits raise concerns about additional Northeast Ohio phosphorus sources
Two suits allege pollution from the plant into waterways exceeded the company’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
In Chicago, one neighborhood is fighting gentrification and climate change at the same time
The secret to success? Build affordable housing next to transit.
Bald eagle return exceeds expectations
Everything you need to know about bald eagles in Ohio: where to see them, and what to know about their population return.
Indiana attorney general fights EPA rule that would reduce pollution on Indy’s west side
The pollution is so bad that one westside family hasn’t constructed a playground for their kids.
Wild fish spring to life in Lake Ontario, despite dams, pollution and hatchery competitors
Non-native species of salmon and trout have become an important part of Lake Ontario’s ecosystem. Keeping them healthy is often at odds with stocking fish for anglers.
After a hot winter, Whitmer asks for more ways to get aid to businesses
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said this week that with warm winters expected to continue, businesses need better access to federal assistance.
During the 2024 eclipse, biologists like us want to find out how birds will respond to darkness in the middle of the day
Since an eclipse only lasts a few minutes, you need more than just a handful of scientists collecting data. That’s where a new app comes in.
EPA head Regan defends $20B green bank: ‘I feel really good about this program’
The head of the Environmental Protection Agency defended a new $20 billion federal “green bank” program, saying it will finance a variety of projects to create low-carbon solutions to combat climate change.
Sault tribe challenges Michigan fishing deal, chides ‘preposterous’ rules
With key species like whitefish nearing the brink of collapse, Michigan’s largest Native American tribe wants fewer restrictions on when, how and where its members can fish.
Energy News Roundup: Even the solar eclipse is an energy issue
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
Palisades “work family” reunites for shot at reopening a Michigan nuclear plant
The Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township could be the first shuttered nuclear facility to reopen in the U.S.
‘You start with us’: Conservation authority head has parting message for Ontario government
Outgoing CEO of Conservation Halton reflects on government cuts and how to enable development while protecting nature and future generations.
Great Lakes Moment: Saving the Conservation Crescent
Local conservationists coined the term “Conservation Crescent” 25 years ago to better understand and protect several islands in the Detroit River. Here is the recent history of those islands, detailing the success of this movement.
Points North: Not always the apex predator
When hunter Ben Karasch sees something move out of the corner of his eye, he assumes it’s a deer. But as Karasch gets a better look, he realizes it’s not a deer, it’s a cougar. And it’s slowly creeping towards him.
Through a Glass Darkly
Antidepressants can affect reaction times in fish and birth control gives male specimens female traits. How might pharmaceutical pollution impact life around the Great Lakes?
Nibi Chronicles: The nation-to-nation fight against extractivism
An Ojibwe elder traveled to Serbia to learn about the successful fight against a mining giant looking to set up a similar operation in Minnesota.
Feds award $1.5 billion for Palisades nuclear plant restart
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm touted the southwest Michigan plant as a key part of America’s energy future. Opponents questioned the safety of the 53-year-old facility.
PFAS News Roundup: MIT chemists designed a sensor that detects PFAS
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in this biweekly headline roundup.
Ontario weakens watershed protections (again) as natural resources minister gets new powers
New rules reduce buffer zones between development and wetlands and empower Doug Ford’s cabinet to issue permits without their say.
Waves of Change: Meet bird conservationist and migration counter Alison Vilag
Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.
Illinois and Army Corps at an impasse over building barrier to prevent invasive carp
Gov. JB Pritzker sent a letter expressing concern over costs of the $1 billion project and the burden to Illinois taxpayers.
Are Great Lakes cities ready for climate migrants?
The Great Lakes region has a lower risk of extreme weather compared to other parts of the country.
Energy News Roundup: State senators advocate for ‘community solar’ projects, proposed natural gas plant gets renewed scrutiny
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news.
From the Ice Age to Now: A Lake Erie timeline
The ups and downs of the southernmost Great Lake.
The solar eclipse is a great opportunity for students and citizen scientists alike
Educators, students, and science enthusiasts in the region are teaming up with NASA to take important weather measurements during the event.
Composting, water access and backyard chickens: Detroit’s urban farming evolution
The city’s first urban agriculture director aims to help gardeners access land and water while making urban farming a seamless part of the city’s policy.
Road salt use dips 37% in Michigan warm winter, saving millions, easing pollution
Michigan in poised to save $10 million in road salt costs, bucking a trend of increased use — and pollution — in lakes, rivers and groundwater.
International nuclear energy expert questions Michigan’s Palisades restart
Holtec’s lack of nuclear operating experience is cited as a potential issue, and expert Mycle Schneider urges a focus on renewables.
Where to see rare solar eclipse in Ohio
A solar eclipse is expected to draw large crowds to Lake Erie, and tourism officials are preparing for an early start to the 2024 season.
Ski Slopes and Saunas
A skier’s paradise on Lake Superior shores, Great Lakes sauna culture and more.
I Speak for the Fish: When a bass is not a bass
Rock bass are like 10-month-old golden retrievers: playful, energetic and a lot of fun to watch.
Video: It’s Detroiters vs dust in west side neighborhood
BridgeDetroit found the city cited the company operating the crushing operation with nearly 300 blight violations over two years.
Points North: Olympic Dream Takes a U.P. Village
When U.P. snowboarder Nick Baumgartner lost in a qualifying round at the 2022 Olympics, he broke down. It was his fourth Olympics, he’d never medaled, and he might not get another shot. But then he got some news.
Judge holds Flint in contempt for continued lead pipe replacement delays
The city was supposed to finish replacing all lead service lines in Flint by 2020. The work still isn’t done. The ruling includes no financial penalties.
Efforts to thwart regulation of PFAS polluters move down parallel tracks
A divided Wisconsin Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that limited the DNR’s ability to regulate PFAS and other contaminants. The case is one of two efforts to weaken the spills law.
The Northwoods is now a month into unusually early maple tapping season
Maple sap typically runs from mid-March to mid-April in Wisconsin. This year, the tapping process started almost a month ago.
Lake Superior is warming fast. Its national parks are starting work to cut fossil fuels
As national parks around the country try to raise awareness about climate change, those around Lake Superior are taking steps to get cut their emissions.
PFAS News Roundup: Indiana senators scrap bill that would change definition of polyfluoroalkyl substances in favor of manufacturers
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in this biweekly headline roundup.
Pennsylvania farmers convicted of poisoning over two dozen migratory birds
Two Pennsylvania farmers have been found guilty of poisoning over two dozen migratory birds with a restricted substance. Many species of birds are declining in North America and many are at risk of extinction, Macdonald said.
Fewer fish and more algae? Scientists seek to understand impacts of historic lack of Great Lakes ice
Michigan Tech University biologists have been observing a remote Lake Superior island’s fragile wolf population every winter since 1958, but they had to cut this season’s planned seven-week survey short after just two weeks.
Tribes urge U.S. to weigh in on Line 5 case as appeal sits in court
Tribes across the Great Lakes are asking the federal government to weigh in on a case in the Bad River Band Reservation.
Is the USDA’s spending on ‘climate-smart’ farming actually helping the climate?
A new report asks whether supposedly green livestock practices have proven benefits.
Energy News Roundup: Chicago organization to build geothermal heating and cooling in south side alleys
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news in Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.
Illinois lawmakers seek to protect state wetlands
The U.S. Supreme Court rolled back protections for wetlands last year, leaving states like Illinois vulnerable.
Three Great Lakes commissions announce partnership to advance restoration
First-of-its-kind agreement takes aim at leading threats to Great Lakes region.
Native Farm Bill Coalition Leaders Critical of USDA Equity Commission Final Report
In a critical response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Equity Commission Final Report, the Native Farm Bill Coalition co-chairs say the report doesn’t adequately address inequities in Indian Country.
Where will you be for the April 8 total solar eclipse? There’s still time to grab a spot
Where will you be watching the April 8 total solar eclipse? There are just a few weeks left to pick your spot to see the skies darken along a strip of North America, whether by land, sea or air.
Great Lakes Moment: Gordie Howe International Bridge becomes part of binational trail system
World’s longest trail is about to become even longer. Plans are underway to make the Trans Canada Trail connect from Windsor, Ontario to Detroit, Michigan.
Points North: The Legend of Heike’s Tombs
In the mid-1900’s, a man moves to northern Michigan to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. He starts having religious visions and builds big stone monuments to commemorate them. That’s where the story starts to get twisted.
Ottawa National Forest creates shaded fuel brakes to help protect communities from wildfires
The upper Midwest rarely sees the type of high-intensity, destructive wildfires that the west coast sees, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen here.
Indiana conservation groups defend state’s wetlands that lost protection
About 250 acres of Indiana wetlands have been lost in the two years since wetland protections were eased. Since the 2021 law passed, mitigation requirements have decreased.
PFAS News Roundup: UW-Stevens Point researchers look to plants to solve PFAS contamination
Catch the latest updates on what’s happening with PFAS in this biweekly headline roundup.
“Bad River” documentary combines historical treatment of indigenous people with the fight to protect Lake Superior
Filmmaker Mary Mazzio talks about capturing the Bad River Tribe’s fight to shut down Line 5 oil pipeline.
Not Just Pretty Pictures: Bearing witness to the night sky
“Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge & Living Connections to the Cosmos” incorporates a “two-eyed seeing” approach to learning about the cosmos.
Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Winter Games go on despite little snow on the ground
The Ojibwe Winter Games give Lac du Flambeau students a chance to learn about their culture while having some fun, but a growing concern is how climate change may impact the games.
Waves of Change: Meet Milwaukee Water Commons Co-Executive Director Brenda Coley
We spoke with Brenda Coley, co-executive director of the urban network and non-profit organization Milwaukee Water Commons.
Wisconsin’s state fish tops the food chain
More anglers are targeting muskie and spending more on the pursuit. Fish populations are thriving in most Great Lakes states due to a combination of factors.
Energy News Roundup: Tribal leaders appear at a federal courthouse in Chicago to challenge Line 5
Catch the latest in Great Lakes energy news in Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.
Harris announces $5.8 billion for water infrastructure projects, says clean water is a right
The Biden administration announced that states will share $5.8 billion in federal funds for water infrastructure projects around the country.