For Friday, Feb. 6, 2026

1 – A binational report card is out for Lake Huron.

According to a 2025 State of the Great Lakes report released in January by the U.S. and Canadian governments, the overall status of Huron is Fair to Good and the trend is Unchanging.

Officials say the lake remains healthy despite algal blooms in some nearshore areas, with most impairments occurring in Saginaw Bay. 

The Lake Huron assessment for Impacts of Invasive Species is Poor, due mostly to filter-feeding quagga mussels. 

As in the other lakes, the report says surface water temperatures are increasing while winter ice cover is decreasing. 

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2 – Nine Michigan airports are receiving money from the state to deal with PFAS (P-FASS) contamination, including MBS near Freeland. 

MBS is receiving about $340,000. 

Funding to the nine airports, totaling $9 million, will be used for activities including PFAS testing and monitoring, studies to identify potential source control and cleanup strategies for groundwater and stormwater, and cleaning firefighting equipment and replacing firefighter gear. 

PFAS substances are a group of potentially harmful man-made chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment and are known to accumulate in the tissues of living organisms.

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3 – You and three of your friends can be lighthouse keepers. 

The Tawas Point Lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park is once again taking on teams of volunteers. 

Two-week opportunities are available from early May through late October at the lighthouse on Lake Huron. 

Keepers serve as guides who greet visitors and lead tours. They’re also responsible for basic facility maintenance and cleanliness. The total service commitment is about 30 hours a week. 

The schedule includes free time to explore the state park, nearby communities and surrounding area.

Search for “Lightouse Keepers” at Michigan.gov for more. 

– Mr. Great Lakes (Science Podcast of the Year) 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