Federal budget cuts are threatening Wisconsin trout as funding slashes hit the USGS Ecosystem Mission Area, crucial in battling invasive sea lampreys. These parasitic fish have wreaked havoc on Great Lakes fisheries, but recent progress is now at risk. Meanwhile, as autumn leaves carpet our lawns, experts advise against sending them to landfills. Fallen leaves serve as winter havens for pollinators and naturally fertilize your lawn. So, ditch the rake and embrace nature’s mulch. For more insights into Wisconsin’s environmental challenges, tune into the Defender podcast at Clean Wisconsin. Knowledge is power, after all!