The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has confirmed that quagga mussels have been found in the north end of Black Bay on Lake Superior, marking the latest […]
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.
The opening of the Erie Canal 200 years ago was touted as an incredible achievement of human ingenuity, but the lakes would never be the same again. One particularly harmful […]
The state budget has cut funding for the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program this year, but it won’t reduce money for controlling invasive sea lampreys. Read the full story by […]
Winter conditions in the Great Lakes are getting much shorter — by about two weeks fewer each decade since 1995
From invasive species and pollution to the escalating impacts of climate change, Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes are grappling with a host of environmental challenges. But in Chicago, […]
The first meeting of the 2025-2026 season of the Huron Bruce Nature (HBN) club went swimmingly with an excellent presentation on the changing ecology of Lake Huron fish communities by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Management biologist Arunas Liskaukas. Nearing retirement after a 35-year “dream” career researching and working with fish, this passionate scientist […]
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.
By Donté Smith
Despite being surrounded by the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, Michigan imports the vast majority of its seafood, between 65% and 90%, according to Michigan Sea Grant. As global aquaculture has grown to meet increasing demand for protein, a small but determined group of inland fish farmers in the Great Lakes region are building a more sustainable, local supply. Researchers say doing so could ease pressure on wild populations, create jobs in rural areas and help restore public trust in the food on their plates. But with high regulatory costs, limited consumer awareness and strong competition from imports, these farms face an uphill swim.
The post How inland fish farmers cultivate a sustainable future for the Great Lakes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.
It is investigated as a growing medium in greenhouses and a soil enhancer for crops
Michigan’s Invasive Species Grant Program is now accepting proposals for the 2025 funding cycle, with an anticipated $3.6 million available to applicants. The program – a joint effort among multiple […]
Interlochen Public Radio
In 2014, a group of botanists discovered that a very rare plant native to the Kankakee River in Illinois, had vanished from its only known native habitat in the world. That set off a quest to bring back the missing Midwestern flower.