© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Great Lakes Ecology Topic Of Talk In Western Michigan

Lake Michigan
Amanda Barberena
/
WKAR File Photo

The ecology of the Great Lakes — and how economic considerations have affected them — is the topic of a talk presented by the Grand Rapids Public Library.

"Science on Tap: Exploring the Ecology of the Great Lakes" is scheduled for Thursday at the SpeakEZ Lounge. The ecological overview from the days of the first European settlers to the present will be delivered by Mark Luttenton of Grand Valley State University.

Luttenton will discuss how the water system had been evolving into a diverse, stable ecosystem, but the settlers saw economic opportunities and started to exploit the resources. The talk is free.

Luttenton, associate dean of Grand Valley's Graduate School, is studying the diversity and potential health benefits of fungi found at the bottom of the Great Lakes.

WKAR has closed the gap left by the loss of federal funding. Because of you, trusted journalism, inspiring stories, and classical music remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan.
Now the work continues — your monthly gift helps maintain this success and keeps public media free for all.