In this week’s Eco Report: Episode 1 of “Grow with Glo”, a new Youth Radio show produced by middle school student Gloria Chi – Sole Searching w/ Erin Smith – How Ocean Waste Becomes Art

Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count! The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), February 13-16 connects bird lovers around the globe to observe and record data on more than 7,000 bird species. The GBBC is a joint project of Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, Birds Canada and is sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited. Visit www.birdcount.org to join the GBBC and become a citizen scientist. Stop by the store for everything you need to bring more birds to your backyard and make this year’s count your best yet.

Indiana’s Senate passed Senate Bill 277 which promises to streamline environmental regulations, but critics say it’s actually stripping away protections that keep Hoosiers safe. This bill would change much of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management-or IDEM’s-rule book, often referred to as Title 13. These changes would remove IDEM’s ability to set state environmental rules that are more strict than federal standards. They would also cut reporting requirements, and swap out the word “shall” for “may” in dozens of sections, which would turn mandatory actions into optional ones.

The Bloomington Environmental Commission invites artists of all ages to participate in the Eco-Heroes Art Contest, themed “Our Nature at Night.” This theme encourages exploration of nocturnal life in Bloomington, highlighting creatures like owls and bats and the impact of human activities at night. The contest seeks diverse formats for entries, including visual, written, and performance art. Participants can collaborate and must submit their work between March 17 and April 7. Winners will be celebrated at the Earth Day event. More information is available on the City of Bloomington’s Eco-Heroes page.

Last week in Bloomington, Gina McCarthy and Janet McCabe, former leaders in U.S. environmental policy, emphasized the importance of local communities in driving climate action despite federal setbacks. Speaking before an audience at IU’s Maurer School of Law, McCarthy, who played a key role in the Inflation Reduction Act, criticized the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, labeling the administration’s actions as “enormously stupid” and “enormously embarrassing.” McCabe, a former EPA deputy administrator, joined McCarthy in highlighting the potential for impactful local efforts.

And now for some upcoming events:

Eco Report is  looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships.

To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail [email protected].

Credits:

On Air………………………………….Julianna Dailey