For Friday, April 2, 2021

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1 – Delta College has joined a global effort that seeks to encourage climate education and action on campus and in the community.

Delta is serving as a host institution for the “Climate Action Pursuit by Second Nature.”

Second Nature is a nonprofit based in Massachusetts that seeks to accelerate climate action through higher education. 

The effort invites Delta faculty and staffers to learn about climate change and sustainability while also hearing from colleagues at other community colleges. 

Participation in the year-long program includes attending quarterly mini-conferences, which kicked off in March.

Individuals in Delta’s group come from areas including counseling, advising, facilities, and student engagement.

2 – If you see a baby wild animal this spring, observe from a distance. 

Never remove an animal from the wild. Young animals are rarely abandoned and their best chance for survival is to remain in the wild.

State natural resources officials note that young animals are often left alone, but the parents are never far away. This is especially true for rabbits and fawns. 

This spring and into summer, you might see fledgling birds hopping around on the ground. This is completely normal. 

The birds are getting old enough to start trying to fly and need space outside the nest.

The parents are nearby and will continue to feed and care for the youngsters. 

Learn more about what to do if you find a baby animal and get a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators at Michigan.gov/Wildlife or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

3  – A report from Ducks Unlimited highlights efforts in Saginaw County. 

Ducks Unlimited says its organization and numerous partners protected, enhanced or restored 1,014 acres of wetland and grassland habitat on 14 Michigan project sites in 2020.

Besides partner contributions, federal funding came from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

A Ducks Unlimited biologist notes that more than half of Michigan’s historic wetlands have been lost due to human development. Wetlands are a benefit because they reduce flooding risk and improve water quality.

Highlights from 2020 including planning by Ducks Unlimited and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reconnect large portions of the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge’s floodplain to the Shiawassee River. 

The enhancement project will improve 1,000 acres of wetland habitat. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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