Becoming a bridge: Strategies to build culturally informed and community-engaged environmental communications

Research highlights the importance of community-driven storytelling models to fight environmental injustice, moving away from extractive media practices toward equitable, collaborative narratives.

El Lower, GLANSIS Communication Specialist, discusses the rhetoric of invasion science, the importance of storytelling in conservation, and their passion for foraging and wild foods.

Tamara Poles argues that building trust in science communication requires authenticity, vulnerability, and recognizing the audience's expertise, rather than trying to mimic their peers.

Veteran journalist Tom Henry shares insights on the importance of storytelling, human impact, and trust in communicating Great Lakes science to the public and policymakers.

A review of David Jude's poetry book, which blends ecological processes, whimsical views of biota, and philosophical musings, celebrating a life of melding science and art in the Great Lakes.

Anna Boegehold shares how improv comedy training has helped her overcome public speaking anxiety and improve her science communication skills by embracing failure and storytelling.

Ellie Katz highlights the role of local journalism in bridging the gap between scientists and the public, using storytelling and audio to make science accessible and relatable.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission's communication strategy for sea lamprey control is detailed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social license and public trust through effective engagement.

David Dempsey urges scientists to overcome communication barriers and actively engage with policy makers and the public to protect Great Lakes science from political headwinds.

Elizabeth Striano emphasizes the need to integrate communications planning into research design from the beginning to ensure impactful and useful products for end users.

Mike Shriberg outlines four essential lessons for communicating Great Lakes science: focus on impacts, tell stories, show passion, and unify messages to navigate political and environmental challenges.

A study on HAB risk communication in Michigan reveals that emotionally framed messages and understanding audience needs are more effective than purely factual ones for increasing risk perception.

Sandra Svoboda advises scientists on crafting and sharing their origin stories to connect with audiences, build credibility, and make their work relatable to the public and media.

Lynne Heasley and Glenn Wolff explore the power of ecocultural storytelling to connect people emotionally and spiritually with Great Lakes restoration, moving beyond pure science-telling.

Sumeep Bath, editorial and cmmunications manager at IISD Experimental Lakes Area, shares his journey from Spanish teacher to science communicator and offers advice on testing messages with diverse audiences.