Blog posts by FLOW team and guest writers
If you’re in the midwest or the mid-Atlantic, chances are you’ve been affected by dangerous air quality this summer. Here in northern Michigan, the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared above 200 in late June, as smoke clogged the atmosphere. Our most basic, life-sustaining element was rated “Very Unhealthy” to breathe. This unthinkable situation stems from… Read more »
FLOW is pleased to announce that Kyle Plummer has recently joined our staff as Development Director. In his new role, Kyle will help FLOW build the capacity to achieve its mission and connect with supporters. Kyle and his family are relocating to the Grand Traverse area from Washington state, and enjoy a variety of outdoor… Read more »
Manipulating Great Lakes Water Levels By Dan MacFarlane Daniel Macfarlane is an Associate Professor in the School of the Environment, Geography, and Sustainability at Western Michigan University.He is also a senior fellow at the Bill Graham Center for Contemporary International History, University of Toronto, and President of the International Water History Association. His research and… Read more »
Sackett v. EPA: Supreme Court Takes a Whack at Wetlands, but Michigan Has a Shield A U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued on May 25 will remove federal protection for millions of acres of wetlands across the country, but will have much less impact in Michigan thanks to a state law that goes beyond federal limits…. Read more »
Our enjoyment of beach outings, picnics, or time outside often rises or falls depending on environmental conditions from pollution to excessive heat. Before you head out, you can check on relevant conditions at these websites. Stay safe and have fun out there this summer! Public beach closures: Beachguard Great Lakes Surface Water Temperatures: NOAA… Read more »
FLOW welcomes Megan Kelto to the team as our new Director of Public Engagement. Megan brings over fifteen years of experience in nonprofit marketing, communications, and leadership, and has a strong background in digital content strategy. As Director of Public Engagement, her mission is to tell the story of FLOW’s important, innovative work, and inspire… Read more »
By Daniel MacFarlane Daniel Macfarlane is an Associate Professor in the School of the Environment, Geography, and Sustainability at Western Michigan University. He is also a senior fellow at the Bill Graham Center for Contemporary International History, University of Toronto, and President of the International Water History Association. His research and teaching focus on the… Read more »
You probably don’t know it, but through next Sunday, Michigan is observing Great Lakes and Freshwater Awareness 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 resources… Read more »
There’s good news and even better news about Michigan’s 1,237 public swimming beaches. The good news is that water at most monitored beaches is clean most of the time. The better news is that a modern testing tool allows for quicker turnaround on public beach monitoring samples. The faster turnaround help protect swimmers. The tool… Read more »
Picnics with Less (or Zero) Plastic You may be surprised at how much trash we generate from what might seem a low-impact picnic. Reducing picnic waste—especially plastics—is particularly important at a time when scientists are sounding the alarm about the buildup of small particles, or microplastics, in the Great Lakes Zero-Waste Picnic vs Typical Picnic… Read more »
