Extreme Heat & the Great Lakes: Be an Ally

Extreme heat can affect everyone and everything. It can have profound effects on the Great Lakes ecosystem by altering water temperature and quality, promoting harmful algal blooms, and stressing aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Here are just some of the ways you can be an environmental ally during extreme heat events:

Keep excess nutrients out of our waterways: Increased water temperatures, combined with excess nutrient runoff (which flows directly, unprocessed, into our lakes and rivers via storm sewers) from things like chemical overfertilization of lawns or washing our vehicles in the driveway, can promote the growth of harmful algal blooms. These blooms can produce toxins harmful to fish, aquatic invertebrates, and humans. The blooms also reduce water clarity and deplete oxygen levels as they decompose.

Provide water: Ensure there are plenty of accessible water sources for wildlife. Birdbaths, shallow dishes, and small ponds can help. Regularly clean and refill water sources to prevent the spread of disease.

Go native: Add native vegetation to your garden to create habitats that offer appropriate food, water, and shelter. This can include maintaining or planting trees and shrubs that provide shade and cooler microclimates in your yard.

Observe wildlife: Keep an eye on local wildlife for signs of heat stress, such as lethargy, excessive panting, or unusual behavior. Contact local wildlife rescue organizations if you find animals in distress.

Promote biodiversity: Support conservation programs that promote biodiversity, as diverse ecosystems are more resilient to extreme weather events.

Policy advocacy: Advocate for policies that address climate change and protect natural habitats.

As the world continues to warm, we can expect extreme heat events like these to become more frequent. But by taking these actions, we can help mitigate the impacts of heat waves on our local environment, ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to survive.