Blog Posts

Blog posts by FLOW team and guest writers

How many Great Lakes are there?

Traditionally, we have counted five Great Lakes. For decades, school children have been reminded of them via an acronym, HOMES, standing for Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior. Some, however, argue that there are at least six Great Lakes. One would be Lake St. Clair, at the center of the watershed. Without this lake, freighters… Read more »

FLOW Benefit on July 11: Charlie Millard Band at Betsie Bay Furniture

Charlie Millard Band @ Betsie Bay Furniture 311 Main Street in Frankfort, MI Thursday, July 11 at 6:30pm Tickets $30 (order online, or buy at the door) Kids 12 and under: free/by donation Join us in downtown Frankfort on July 11 for an evening of terrific live music, tasty bites, and good times, all in… Read more »

A Fresh New Story from the Old: Jim Olson’s “People of the Dune”

Watch the webinar FLOW’s founder, legendary environmental attorney Jim Olson, writes more than winning legal briefs. He writes books, too, including the first book on Michigan environmental law and several novels. One of those, The Mound People, published in the 1980s, has now given birth to a fresh novel, People of the Dune. Both versions… Read more »

The Environment and You: A Summer Data Guide

Summer’s here.  That means more time outdoors on the water, at the beach and under the sun. With each type of enjoyment comes the need for accurate information to protect against polluted water and air, excessive UV rays and fish contaminants. Great Lakes recreational risks include: Rip currents. In 2023, 85 people drowned in the… Read more »

Meet our Summer Legal Interns!

FLOW welcomes anyone who has a passion for environmental policy. Each summer, FLOW seeks out bright, talented interns to assist us with communications, policy, and legal research tasks, supported by The Helen and William G. Milliken Fund For Love of Water. The Milliken Fund is designed to support work that protects the Great Lakes and the public trust… Read more »

Great Lakes and Freshwater Week: June 1-9, 2024

You probably don’t know it, but this first week in June, Michigan is observing Great Lakes and Freshwater Week. It’s certainly appropriate. Michigan has an astounding array of waters. As Governor Whitmer said in her proclamation, “during this week, we encourage Michiganders to learn more about the unique wonders of our Great Lakes and freshwater… Read more »

An Evening for the Great Lakes

Come join us on July 5th for an evening of farm-to-table fare from Epicure Catering, beverages from Baia Estates, Arbor Brewing, and Iron Fish Distillery, and delight in the music of mandolin virtuoso and NPR’s Live From Here host Chris Thile. This event will be hosted by Cherry Basket Farms in Omena, Michigan, located on… Read more »

Take to the Shores with the Beahcomber’s Guide

Our Beachcomber’s Guide to the Great Lakes has some useful information while traveling the shores of the Great Lakes, particularly along the coast of Michigan. With this handy guide in your pocket, you can enjoy the knowledge of public trust and your feet in the water.