This winter weather hasn’t exactly been friendly to people, but it has definitely been helping out the Great Lakes (and possibly wildlife in and around the Lakes too). 
 
From the Journal Sentinel
“Nearly 60% of the lakes are now under a cover of ice, according to the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich.
 
The ice cover could help lake levels this summer, but that is far from certain. And biologists are keeping a close eye on northern Lake Superior in the hope that an ice bridge will link Ontario to Isle Royale.
 
The island is the home to a struggling gray wolf population in desperate need of new genetic stock — and more wolves.
 
One possible effect of so much ice this winter is that come summer the ‘lake effect’ in cities such as Milwaukee, Chicago and Duluth, Minn., could be even cooler.
 
The ice cover this winter is a stark contrast to last winter, when the five lakes had only 38% cover, according to the research laboratory, which tracks ice conditions on the lakes. The long-term average of the lakes is about 50%, according to George Leshkevich, a scientist with the laboratory, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”
Read the complete article at the link above.

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Get ready to explore and document the incredible biodiversity of the Great Lakes region! The Great Lakes BioBlitz is an exciting event where community members, students, and nature enthusiasts come together to observe and record the diverse species in our environment.When: April 22 to May 19How: Sign up on iNaturalist.Why: -Discover Local Wildlife: Learn about the plants, animals, and insects that call the Great Lakes home. -Contribute to Science: Your observations help scientists understand and protect our natural world. -Connect with Nature: Enjoy the outdoors and connect with others who share your passion for the environment.Learn more at the link in bio.
Applications are open! Graduate student applicants can request up to $10,000 to support research expenses, graduate student stipends, travel, or other activities that help expand the scholarly or societal impact of their research.One of IISG’s long-term goals is to help build a community of researchers and outreach professionals focused on critically important Lake Michigan issues. The IISG Scholars programs are designed to help build this community by introducing researchers to the issues and the individuals, organizations, and communities that are affected by them.Applications due April 9th.Learn more about this opportunity at the link in bio.
Join us for a seminar on the latest fish biology, ecology, and fisheries science happening in Lake Michigan. Speaker will include: -Anna Hill (Purdue) with an update on alewife diet and growth rates in Lake Michigan-Charlie Roswell (INHS) with an update on Lake Michigan and Calumet River smallmouth bass movement-Dan Makauska (IL DNR) with an update from the Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesLearn more and register at the link in bio.
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