From Lake Michigan Shore:

With the greatest freshwater source on the planet in our backyard, it’s easy to think it is an infinite source. But a new report and campaign are warning water shortages are possible throughout the Great Lakes if consumers and municipalities don’t change their ways.

A five-year study by the U.S. Geological Survey in Lansing, Michigan, released earlier this year indicated groundwater levels have dropped by 1,000 feet in the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan regions due to increased demand from municipal pumping stations. Those levels could drop another 100 feet by 2040 if demand continues to increase as forecast. Read more.

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Join the 2026 Great Lakes BioBlitz! 🌎🦋📸Starting Earth Day, educators, students, youth groups, and families are invited to help document biodiversity across the Great Lakes region using iNaturalist. A kick-off webinar is scheduled for April 16th at 2 pm CT.Participate anytime during the four‑week event. Snap photos, make observations, and contribute to real conservation data while getting students outside and engaged with nature. Learn more and get ready to explore: https://sites.google.com/wisc.edu/annual-great-lakes-bioblitz/2026 #TeachingTuesday#GreatLakes
Don’t miss out! Join us for a deep dive into the latest Lake Michigan fisheries science.Topics will include:-Reef restoration impacts on aquatic and fish species-Wild reproduction rates for salmon and trout species from the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program-Fisheries update from the Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesLearn more & register: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_86eBlPnbjdm7pPg