Tag: Fish, Birds and Animals
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.
Empowering Environmental Stewardship: How Barn Sanctuary Champions Compassion and Conservation in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes, a vital freshwater expanse for millions, face an ongoing environmental crisis. Beneath the vast waters lies a significant threat: pollution stemming largely from agricultural runoff. This flow of excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen contributes to harmful algal blooms and expanding “dead zones,” jeopardizing ecosystems, water quality and public health across the region.
Great Lakes Moment: Detroit River carrion scavenger on the increase
Great Lakes Moment is a monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor John Hartig. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit PBS.
What is one of the most frequently counted birds by citizen scientists in the annual Detroit River Hawk Watch, but is not a hawk?
New state program encourages Michigan residents to report bat roosts
This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.
By Clara Lincolnhol, Great Lakes Echo
The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to report bat roosts. These are the places where bats sleep and raise their babies like chimneys, trees and bridges.
What will the rise of floating solar panels mean for wildlife?
By Matt Simon, Grist
This story was originally published by Grist. Sign up for Grist’s weekly newsletter here.
The newest, hottest power couple doesn’t live in Hollywood. It’s actually the marriage of solar panels and water reservoirs: Known as floating photovoltaics, or floatovoltaics, the devices bob on simple floats, generating power while providing shade that reduces evaporation.