Agriculture Great Lakes Now Michigan

Empowering Environmental Stewardship: How Barn Sanctuary Champions Compassion and Conservation in the Great Lakes

11 min read

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.

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Great Lakes Now

Wisconsin DNR expands private well PFAS testing to five Oneida County townships

4 min read

Wisconsin DNR expands private well PFAS testing to five Oneida County townships

By Katie Thoresen, WXPR

This story was originally published by WXPR. WXPR is a community-licensed public radio station serving north central Wisconsin and adjacent areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Listen to their stories here.

People on private wells in five Oneida County Townships in Wisconsin may be offered free PFAS testing.

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Climate change Great Lakes Now Lake Erie Research

Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer in Lake Erie − why that’s a worry for people and pets

7 min read

Toxic algae blooms are lasting longer in Lake Erie − why that’s a worry for people and pets

By Gregory J. Dick, University of Michigan

 is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

Federal scientists released their annual forecast for Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms on June 26, 2025, and they expect a mild to moderate season.

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Great Lakes Now

Waves of Change: Meet Ojibwe leader, activist and water walker Sharon Day

2 min read

Waves of Change: Meet Ojibwe leader, activist and water walker Sharon Day

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

Sharon Day is enrolled in the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe and makes her home in Minnesota, where she is a founder and the executive director of the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, a vital provider of culturally appropriate health services, programs and housing.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.