Occasionally, it takes an outsider to remind us how unique and spectacular our natural resources are in the Mitten State. Such was the case with Cleveland Plain Dealer travel writer Susan Glaser’s July 16 column sharing her awe and reverence during a family trip to Michigan’s West Coast sand dunes.

When Lake Erie – or more exactly the Cuyahoga River which flows into Lake Erie – caught fire in 1969, it ignited a firestorm of public outrage over the indiscriminate dumping of sewage and industrial chemicals into the Great Lakes. But the incident was not particularly unusual.

Becky Humphries' most remarkable qualities were acquired at a tender age. Patience and perseverance were instilled during idyllic summer days at her father's side, fishing with an old-fashioned cane pole.

In each issue of the Michigan Environmental Report, we celebrate accomplishments by MEC and member groups.

Glen Sheppard, the legendary editor of the North Woods Call, passed away in early January at the age of 74. The Call, his fiercely independent conservation newspaper, has ceased publication.

Since the Recreation Passport program was introduced in October 2010, almost 20 percent of Michigan drivers have opted to pay the $10 annual park pass fee during their motor vehicle registration renewal. The pass gives unlimited access to all of Michigan’s 98 parks and 1,000 boat launches. It replaced the previous system, which required the purchase of $6 daily park passes or $24 annual passes affixed to windshields.

The Michigan Women’s Historical Center in Lansing is going green with a new history exhibit entitled “Resourceful Women: 30 Who Worked to Preserve Michigan’s Water, Woods, and Wildlife” on display through February 19.

Last issue, we asked an unbiased question and stood back disinterestedly to see the results: Did readers prefer the term Michigander and its melodic, friendly, open, harmonious ring? Or did they favor the term Michiganian, thus aligning themselves with nonnative, highbrow, overeducated socially sheltered wimps?

The second historical marker for a Michigan Environmental Council-sponsored Michigan Conservation Trail was approved by the Michigan Historical Commission this spring. Efforts by communities, scientists and governmental agencies to restore the endangered Kirtland’s warbler are the theme of the marker, which will be installed in the Mio area.

Aggressive lobbying and public education by MEC member group Environment Michigan helped convince Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create the state’s first wilderness designation in 20 years, permanently protecting part of Algonac State Park.

The grandeur of Michigan’s waters is the theme of a new book by prolific author and Michigan Environmental Council advisor Dave Dempsey and photographer David Lubbers.

The incredible story of the Detroit River’s decline and resurgence was commemorated Sept. 1 with the placement of the first historical marker on Michigan’s Conservation Trail at the gateway to the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton.