Author: Toledo Blade Environment
John Ball Zoo Fights for Great Lakes’ Rarest Butterflies
Butterfly populations are in decline across the continental U.S., dropping by 22% between 2000 and 2020 according to a study published in the journal Science. Almost a third of the 342 species studied have seen their numbers fall by more than half. To help combat this, the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan launched its Great Lakes Rare Butterfly Program in 2021 to protect the region’s most threatened species.
This wetland fight could go to the Supreme Court
A pending court case could impact farmers across the country. At issue is a USDA rule aimed at protecting wetlands called “Swampbuster.” In place since 1985, it’s being challenged in court by an absentee landowner in Iowa.
Under Swampbuster, farmers have to agree not to drain or fill their wetlands, in order to receive farm benefits such as crop insurance, disaster relief and USDA loans.
Advocacy group challenges “new normal” status of Lake Erie’s algal blooms
It’s the annual peak algal bloom season and the spotlight as usual, is on Lake Erie’s western basin, including Toledo and southeast Michigan.
For the public, that’s because in 2014, Toledo went three days without drinking water as toxic algal blooms forced the city to issue a “do not drink” order.
Chicago was supposed to warn residents about toxic lead pipes last year. Most still have no idea.
By Keerti Gopal & Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco
This story is a partnership between Grist, Inside Climate News, and WBEZ, a public radio station serving the Chicago metropolitan region. This coverage is made possible through an ongoing partnership between Grist and WBEZ.
Disaster 101: Your guide to extreme weather preparation, relief and recovery
No matter where you live, a disaster can hit and change your life. This comprehensive toolkit — about everything from food access to FEMA to housing — can help you stay ready, informed, and supported.