Great Lakes Champions by John H. Hartig

GREAT LAKES CHAMPIONS by John H. Hartig uses the stories of fourteen activists to describe “Grassroots Efforts to Clean Up Polluted Watersheds.” Hartig is a recognized expert on conservation science, refuge manager for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, and a member of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy board of directors. He begins by noting some astonishing statistics: the Great Lakes “represent one-fifth of the standing fresh water on the Earth’s surface” and cover “94,250 square miles, a combined surface area bigger than the United Kingdom and bigger than the state of Texas.” While each of the stories – from a champion for the St. Louis River to one for the St. Lawrence River – are unique and local, some common themes and ideas emerge. Hartig repeatedly stresses the importance of connection (often formed in childhood or adolescence) to the natural world. He reflects on the history of efforts and legislation (hard to believe that the first Earth Day was more than 50 years ago) and Hartig repeatedly cites the need for a coordinated approach, with creative efforts at fundraising and goal-setting. The prose is a bit dry (filled with facts and stats), but the desire to motivate is clear. His final chapter includes a call to action and provides models such as key questions to ensure science-based continuous improvement. An extensive bibliography and index are included. Interested readers should also see The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan (2017).