For Friday, June 27, 2025

1 – Lake Huron is expected to rise by an inch over the next month.

That’s according to a water levels update from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit. 

As of a week ago (June 20), Lake Huron was below its June long-term average by 6 inches. 

By July 20, Lake Huron is expected to rise by an inch. 

A separate May water level summary notes that Lake Huron is expected to continue its seasonal rise and peak in July. 

Over the next several months, Lake Huron water levels are predicted to be 3 to 11 inches below last year’s levels, and 6 to 7 inches below low-term average levels.

…

2 – To encourage public involvement in reporting aquatic invasive species, the Michigan Clean Water Corps is hosting its first-ever statewide aquatic invasive species BioBlitz from June 28-July 6.

Volunteers are asked to use the iNaturalist app to document suspected aquatic invasive plants and animals across Michigan’s lakes, rivers, wetlands and streams. 

Boaters, paddlers, anglers, nature lovers and anyone interested in contributing to early detection of invasive species can use the app to snap photos of critters they encounter. 

All confirmed reports of aquatic invasive species will be communicated to state’s environmental agency and the Michigan Invasive Species Program. Officials say early detection of new or emerging invasive species greatly improves chances to slow their spread or possibly eradicate a population.

Invasives on Michigan’s Watch List include several species of carp, the hydrilla plant, the marbled crayfish and the New Zealand mudsnail.

To get involved in the BioBlitz from June 28-July 6, visit MiCorps.net. 

…

3 – Do you want to trap and squish a spotted lanternfly? Well, now you can. 

The Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, or CISMA, is offering free kits to build spotted lanternfly traps. The slogan for this project is “See it. Squish it. Report it.”

The CISMA group says the spotted lanternfly has only recently made its way into Michigan, and the threat it poses is serious. 

The insect can cause significant damage to a wide variety of plants,  especially fruit trees, grapevines and hardwoods. And once it spreads, it is extremely difficult to control.

The trap kits are available by contacting the organization’s office in Standish. 

The group says the traps are simple to set up and highly effective at catching lanternfly nymphs as they climb tree trunks.

The group is online at SBCISMA.com.

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