Great Lakes Now Ontario

Can these invasive reeds be stopped?

1 min read

Can these invasive reeds be stopped?

Invasive phragmites are overwhelming Ontario’s wetlands, choking out native plants and wildlife. Towering up to 15 feet (5 meters) tall and spreading in dense clusters, this plant outcompetes native species, disrupts ecosystems and threatens wildlife. But a team of dedicated experts and community members are fighting back.

Wetland ecologist Janice Gilbert is leading efforts at Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to combat phragmites.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Great Lakes Now

Waves of Change: Meet artist, mom and gardener Halima Afi Cassells

2 min read

Waves of Change: Meet artist, mom and gardener Halima Afi Cassells

Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.

For Earth Month, we spoke with Halima Afi Cassells, an award-winning interdisciplinary community-engaged artist, mom of three and avid gardener with deep roots in Waawiiyaataanong also known as Detroit, Michigan.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Great Lakes Now

Northeast Ohio surf shop owner making waves with boards made from used foam

5 min read

Northeast Ohio surf shop owner making waves with boards made from used foam

By Zaria Johnson, Ideastream Public Media

This story was originally published by Ideastream.

Expanded polystyrene foam, typically used in everything from packaging for new TVs to carry-out food containers, but Jeffrey McNaught, owner of Edgewater Surf in Rocky River, found an eco-friendly use for something that usually ends up in landfills.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.