For Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 – Merry Christmas –

…audio…

1 –  Are you interested in taking action to restore wetlands? Local municipalities and private landowners are being sought as part of a $4 million initiative. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and conservation organization Ducks Unlimited are working together to reduce harmful algal blooms in the Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie watersheds. 

An informational webinar is planned for Friday, Jan. 12 for those interested. 

A Ducks Unlimited biologist says more than 80 percent of historical wetlands have been lost in Saginaw Bay and Lake Erie. 

A DNR official says partnerships and willing landowners will be key to developing wetlands to help improve water quality and wildlife habitat. 

Healthy wetlands are important because they help reduce excess nutrients from fertilizer, wastewater and stormwater runoff that contribute to harmful algal blooms. 

Money for the work comes a $10 million federal grant; the other $6 million of that also is supporting wetland projects including at the Crow Island State Game Area in Bay County. 

…

2 –  The nonprofit Alliance for Water Efficiency in Chicago will research conservation best management practices for the state of Michigan. 

Officials say the $90,000 project will further Michigan’s water conservation efforts by gathering and sharing the latest information on innovative practices for business and industry. 

Michigan has goals and objectives for water conservation and efficiency as part of the Great Lakes Agreement and Compact, which details how states and provinces protect and manage water in the basin. 

A grant from the nonprofit Michigan Great Lakes Protection Fund is paying for the work along with federal funding. 

…

3 – It’s Christmas time and this one is a story for the birds. 

…

For the 124th year, the National Audubon Society is organizing the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count. It started last week (Dec. 14) and runs through Jan. 5. 

Tens of thousands of volunteers will participate in counts across the Western Hemisphere. 

Audubon says the data collected contributes to one of only two large pools of information that scientists can use to help protect birds and bird habitat. 

Area counts are going on in Bay City, Midland and the Thumb. 

More info on the Christmas Bird Count is online at ChristmasBirdCount.org. 

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

-30-