For Friday, Nov. 1, 2024

1 – Michigan is the first Midwest state to launch both of the federally funded Home EnergyRebates programs. 

The effort is being piloted in the Upper Peninsula and West Michigan and will launch statewide next year. 

Households are eligible for up to $34,000 in rebates for efficiency and appliance upgrades. 

All households are eligible, but the programs will prioritize low-income households. 

Right now, the state is encouraging contractors to sign up to help enroll families, assess homes and make the upgrades, which are designed to save energy. 

More info is online at Michigan.gov/HomeEnergyRebates.

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2 – Have you heard of the marbled crayfish? It’s a freshwater crustacean native to the aquarium trade.  

The marbled crayfish is notorious for being invasive and adaptable. That includes asexual reproduction in which females can produce offspring without males. Marbled crayfish also are omnivores who feed on aquatic plants, insects and small invertebrates.

The Michigan Sea Grant university program warns that an invasion of marbled crayfish in the Great Lakes could have significant negative consequences. These crayfish haven’t reached the lakes, but they were spotted in 2021 about 4 miles from Lake Ontario.

Michigan Sea Grant urges people to not release aquarium species into local waterways, which is illegal without a permit. 

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3 – A northern Michigan nonprofit is celebrating the “triumphant end” of a Community-Driven Conservation Campaign. 

Huron Pines in Gaylord says the $1 million raised will be used to enhance access to nature in coastal communities and support water quality projection efforts in communities as part of the Lake Huron Forever Initiative. 

The resources also will go toward land protection and an endowment to ensure long-term, stable funding for future efforts. 

Lake Huron Forever was developed in 2019 by shoreline community foundations and conservation partners from the United States and Canada. Communities that have joined the effort include Bay City, Au Gres and Alpena. 

– 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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