Agriculture

By Georgia Hill

Scientists studying the body size and growth patterns of non-native earthworms in the UP’s Huron Mountains say they are disrupting forest ecosystems. Contrary to popular belief, most North American earthworms are invaders unintentionally introduced during European colonization. They have a significant impact on ecosystems, especially in the Great Lakes region where they affect soil structure, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.

The post New research in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula shows how invasive earthworms are changing forest soils   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Duluth, Minnesota – At its Annual Meeting, held this week on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota, the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) passed

Fifty-nine per cent of farmers meet the classifications for anxiety and 35 per cent meet the classifications for depression.

By Mia Litzenberg

Climate change is creating new challenges for Great Lakes coastal communities. To tackle these hazards, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority launched the Lake Ontario Coastal Resilience Pilot Project last summer. Over the next four years, the project aims to engage communities in developing a coastal resilience plan.

The post New Lake Ontario initiative tackles climate hazards alongside Lakes Huron and Superior projects first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

More than 3,000 full-time jobs were added in the Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth region in September. Those gains were partially offset by losses in part-time employment, totalling 1,400 jobs. The unemployment rate for the region served by the Four County Labour Market Planning Board fell marginally by 0.1 per cent to 4.8 per cent last […]

Canada can't hope to lead in a vital global industry by shutting itself off from competition, a McMaster University prof says

Canada’s largest pumpkin patch is looking a little lean.

By Samantha Ku
New federal policy is aimed at addressing the nation’s wildfire crisis by boosting timber production, but some experts say it’s not expected to have a major impact in Michigan. 

The post Federal wildfire policy sparks debate: timber or trees?  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

By Rachel Lewis  

The Michigan Invasive Species Program is asking the public to be on the lookout for the invasive Asian longhorned beetle. The inch-and-a-half long black beetle with white spots and long antennae is known to attack at least 12 species of hardwood trees, including maples, elms, horse chestnuts, birches and willows. Although the beetle has not yet been found in Michigan, the state Department of Natural Resources said the earlier they are found, the easier they are to eradicate.

The post Michigan DNR wants you to look out for invasive Asian longhorned beetle  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

It is investigated as a growing medium in greenhouses and a soil enhancer for crops

In addition to farmers using them in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, they are zapping weeds in the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand