environment

DNR Says Leave Baby Wild Animals Alone; They Will Be OK

Spring is in the air and nature-lovers are taking to hiking trails in wooded areas. What should one do if a helpless baby animal is found all alone?

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ weekly News Digest, nothing.

Hannah Schauer, wildlife communications coordinator with the DNR, said, “One survival strategy wild mammal moms use is hiding their young while they are elsewhere, but don’t worry; they will return periodically to nurse and care for the babies. This tactic helps young animals stay safer from predators while mom goes elsewhere to avoid drawing attention to where they’re hidden.”

Birds that appear to have a broken leg often pull on the heartstrings of well-meaning people, but the bird is probably fine.

Shauer said, “As we get later into spring and into the summer you might see fledgling birds hopping around on the ground, and this is completely normal. These fluffy youngsters are getting old enough to start trying to fly and need more space than the nest has. Their parents aren’t far and will continue to feed and care for them.” 

It is actually illegal to possess a wild animal in Michigan. If an animal appears in true danger, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator should be called.

Learn more about what to do if you find a baby animal and get a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators at Michigan.gov/Wildlife or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Earth Fair Presents 30 Day Challenge

The Blue Water Area usually looks forward to the annual Earth Fair held at Goodells County Park, but due to COVID, it is taking a second year off. In place of the large in-person gathering, families can take conservation action into their own hands with the “30 for 30 Earth Fair Challenge” event. 

Organizer Sarah Davidson-Nelson said, “One of the Earth Fair committee’s purposes is to inspire the community to become better environmental stewards. The 30 for 30 Earth Fair Challenge event is virtual, but it will offer local community members a way to become better environmental stewards in a safe and yet still engaging and interactive manner.”

Participants can check the Earth Fair Facebook page for a new activity each day or check the website for the full list of activities.

Participants can then upload a picture and be entered to win a $50 Visa Gift Card. There is a new chance to win with every challenge.

Everyone who submits a challenge picture will get an Earth Fair Vendor Coupon book good for deals on vendors’ websites.

Examples of challenges include a competitive scavenger hunt at Goodells Park, a trash-free picnic, and exploring a beach, park or trail.

www.facebook.com/EarthDayFair

www.earthdayfair.com/

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Billions of Cicadas to Appear this Year after 17 years Underground

Brace yourself. The cicadas are coming. 

After seventeen years in hibernation, one of the largest broods of cicadas, Brood X, will be making an appearance. Cicadas are small flying bugs. 

Entomologists predict that the woods and even suburban areas will be filled with billions of cicadas. The whistling and buzzing that will take over the spring landscape is actually the sound of a mating call. Once the cicadas find their true love, the females will lay eggs- hundreds of them at a time. The call of the cicadas could last up to four weeks, predicted to start in April or May.

After coming out of hibernation, mating, and laying eggs, the adults will die. Then, when the eggs hatch, the babies will fall from the trees, burrow underground, and take a seventeen-year nap, just like their parents did.

According to Michigan State University entomologist Gary Parsons, the cicadas are harmless to humans but may be a little annoying with their high pitch relentless buzzing. The largest sighting of the Brood X cicadas, when they last appeared in 2004, was centered around Ann Arbor.

The appearance of the Brood X cicadas is expected to be seen in most of the eastern United States. They usually wait for the ground to warm up to the mid 60’s before making their appearance.

Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland

Lauwers Advocates for Keeping Line 5 Open Until Safer Line is Built

Michigan State Senator Dan Lauwers reported on the testimony to a joint hearing of the Senate’s Energy and Technology Committee and Natural Resources Committee regarding the Enbridge Line 5 shutdown. 

Line 5 is a petroleum pipeline that extends from western Canada to Eastern Canada. It passes under the Straits of Mackinac and the St. Clair River. A leak from the line would be environmentally catastrophic. A new line under the Straits is in the preliminary planning stages. A new line has already been constructed under the St Clair River. 

A member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament, Bob Bailey of Sarnia, spoke at the meeting. Lauwers said his testimony and others’ brought important perspective. Closing the line will have significant negative economic impacts on the Sarnia region.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer plans to completely close the line in May and rely on rail and trucking to transport the petroleum. Lauwers said that Whitmer does not have the authority to do so, as that would be breaking an international treaty. 

In his weekly newsletter, Lauwers said, “If safety and environmental protection are what we are after, we need to weigh these matters objectively instead of subjectively. I think we will find continuation of what we have now while we build an alternative to Line 5 is far better and safer than other considerations.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Spring Fever Prompts Pesticide Warning from MDARD

There is a fever going viral right now, and it’s not the one you think it is. It’s SPRING FEVER. Michiganders know that green grass and sunny days will be here soon. With outdoor living on the minds of many, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development wants to get the word out regarding safe pesticide use.

Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD’s Pesticide Section Manager said, “When used correctly, pesticides are an effective tool to help control, destroy, and repel destructive pests such as insects, weeds, rodents, germs, and plant disease. If applying pesticides, always read and follow the label directions and use the recommended personal protective equipment.”

MDARD also warns against hiring just anybody to spray your property. MDARD grants the licenses to those firms that meet the required financial and experience requirements and pass the MDARD exams.

Verhougstraete warned, “Be aware of online advertisements and social media posts promoting the sale of unregistered pesticides, particularly those that claim to be 100% safe or all natural. Unregistered pesticides are not proven to be safe or effective and are unlikely to meet MDARD’s or the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Fix-a-Leak Week” Focuses on Residential Water Waste Prevention

One leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Disadvantaged communities often have homes with more leaky faucets and therefore have higher water bills and could have lower water quality. To reduce water waste and promote environmental sustainability, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, EGLE,  has declared this “Fix-A-Leak Week.”

EGLE’s Clean Water Public Advocate, Ninah Sasy, said, “Water leaks in the home can significantly increase consumer water bills and contribute to water quality concerns. Investments in water conservation efforts in the home and our water distribution systems are key to reducing energy consumption and cost while ensuring environmental sustainability.”

The Water Week Pilot program has gotten underway, starting in Benton Harbor and Highland Park, and will eventually expand to other areas of need. According to EGLE, the program offers free in-home plumbing repairs and new water-saving fixtures. Michigan residents will be able to receive a discount on Kohler WaterSense products during the week.

A link to more information and tips on water conservation in your home:

Michigan.gov/FixaLeakWeek

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland