For Friday, Aug. 30, 2024

1 – If you visit a national park beach, there’s a good chance that the sand beneath your toes contains tiny plastic particles. 

These microplastics come from things like synthetic clothing, personal care products and degraded plastic litter. They pose potential risks to aquatic life and human health.

A new study led by the National Park Service and Clemson University in South Carolina found that Great Lakes beaches had some of the highest concentrations of microplastics in 37 areas sampled nationwide. That includes Sleeping Bear Dunes and Indiana Dunes.

Microplastics can enter the environment through various paths, including wastewater discharges and urban and agricultural runoff.

Researchers say the sampling effort helped demonstrate how microplastics migrate and what geographic areas are most prone to impacts. 

That knowledge can help identify the best ways to reduce input and impacts to humans and wildlife.

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2 – The State of the Bay Conference is coming back, followed by a One Water Gathering. 

The conference is held every two years by the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network and partners … to highlight education, restoration, community development and conservation activities in the watershed. 

New this year, organizers are partnering with Lake Huron Forever for a One Water Gathering on the day after the conference.

The conference is Sept. 26 at the Doubletree in downtown Bay City. 

The One Water Gathering on Sept. 27 is billed as an international initiative bringing professionals and partners from both sides of Lake Huron together to explore the lakeshore and celebrate a sustainable future.

Bay City adopted a Lake Huron Forever pledge in 2022, committing to strengthen the health of residents and natural resources.

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard at 6:45 and 8:45 Friday mornings on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM in University Center, Michigan, near Bay City (listen live). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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