Photo: Camilla Cerea / Audubon
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DonateHolding 20% of the world’s fresh water within more than 10,000 miles of shoreline, the Great Lakes are a globally significant ecosystem. Millions of migratory birds depend on coastal habitats along the Great Lakes for shelter, rest, and nourishment for their long journeys. Thousands of raptors, waterfowl, and wetland birds rely on the Great Lakes systems for safe nesting grounds. Yet, coastal development, climate change, and destructive invasive species threaten the coastal systems that support this great range of bird species – from the little Piping Plover to the magnificent Bald Eagle.
Audubon is creating a cohesive strategy across the region to address these threats to the birds of the Great Lakes. With more than 3,000 miles of shoreline in Michigan alone, the greatest conservation opportunity is the active restoration and protection of coastal habitats. By analyzing historical data, modeling bird populations, and engaging our chapters and members, Audubon will map out a detailed plan for how to best conserve indispensable coastal areas. Focused restoration and habitat management is essential to protect and recover ecological systems that support bird species. Active stewardship of habitats by Great Lakes Audubon chapters will play a key role in sustaining the health of these areas over time.
A regional office of the National Audubon Society, Audubon Great Lakes manages conservation work throughout the region to protect and improve habitat critical for birds during their migration and nesting cycles, and we build networks of volunteers and advocates for the natural environment. Within the National Audubon Society’s network, Audubon Great Lakes is viewed as a leader in building communities of volunteer scientists and conservationists that take the lead in advocating for and managing the ecosystems that birds need to thrive.
"Improving drainage and better controlling the flow of water in the Calumet is important for the benefit of birds and people"
The Illinois Bird Safe State Buildings Act is a step in the right direction towards reducing bird collisions.
“Adjusting water levels and applying proper vegetation management will bring back migrating birds and other wildlife”
Audubon Great Lakes: A win for breeding marsh birds and a response to robust Audubon member advocacy
Enter your zip code into Audubon’s Birds and Climate Visualizer and it will show you how climate change will impact your birds and community, and ways you can help.
"We have to act now to protect the places birds need, like the Great Lakes."
Audubon thanks Congressman Stivers for supporting important conservation and energy policies
Marsh bird surveys are needed to better inform habitat management at Indiana wetlands.
“This is not the investment in clean air and economic growth that our state deserves.”
“Great Lakes restoration funding has been crucial to protect and restore Lake Erie and the birds and people that depend on it.”
By Daniel Suarez and Stephanie Beilke
To rescue the graceful marsh bird, researchers first have to solve the mystery of its dramatic decline.
"...be prepared to realize that the process [to pass a proclamation] is quite simple."
Your support will help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss, and other threats.
See the benefits of Audubon membership.
Audubon chapters create a culture of conservation in local communities through education and advocacy, focusing on the conservation of birds and conservation of important habitats.
Your donation supports Audubon’s local work to protect the birds of our region and the habitats upon which they depend.
