Severe algal blooms threaten both ecosyste m and human health. With climate change and other disturbances intensifyin g\, it&rsquo\;s reasonable to assume that algal blooms are getting worse. Dr. Grace Wilkinson discusses the surprising trends in algal blooms from l akes around the Midwest and what&rsquo\;s driving that change&mdash\;both for the worse and for the better.
\nDr. Wilkinson is a limnologist w ho studies the dynamic links between lakes and their surrounding landscape s. Her research focuses on harmful algal blooms\, ecosystem resilience\, a nd nutrient cycling in lakes. Dr. Wilkinson&rsquo\;s group uses whole-ecos ystem experiments and long-term data to understand how lakes are respondin g to climate change and other human-caused disturbances to better manage o ur freshwater resources.
\nAugust is National Water Quality Month\, which was created by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2005. In the w ake of 1972's Clean Water Act and 1974's Safe Drinking Water Act\, nationa l focus was turned to our most precious resource - water - and the ways ev eryday citizens can support access to clean drinking water for everyone. V isit Wisconsin Historical Society's traveling display "Great Lakes Small S treams: How Water Shapes Wisconsin" at Central Library from August 7 throu gh September 4. This fascinating exhibit explores our state's long relatio nship with water &\; the impact we've had on our vast waterways.
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