The Calumet region of Illinois and Indiana has a long history of industry and an even longer history of rich biodiversity. Once consisting of nearly 45,000 acres of marsh and wet prairie, the vast majority of these wetlands were drained and filled to make way for factories and plants as they migrated south from Chicago in the late 1800’s. Despite this massive land conversion, the patchwork of marshes that remained still supported incredible diversity through the 1980s and 90s. However, over the past 25 years, the degradation of those wetlands has resulted in significant losses of biodiversity. Breeding marsh bird populations, which provide an excellent indication of environmental quality have been decimated. Three species: Black Tern, Yellow-headed Blackbird and Black-crowned Night Heron are functionally extirpated from the region after breeding there for centuries. Others, like the Least Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe and Marsh Wren are on a similar trajectory. These birds depend on a dynamic ecosystem called hemimarsh that provides the structure and food sources they need to successfully reproduce. Hemimarsh has all but disappeared from the Calumet in light of the significant threats of altered hydrology, climate change and invasive species.
At Audubon we are leading an effort to galvanize a landscape approach to overcome these large-scale challenges. Hemimarsh wetland habitat in the Calumet region provides far-reaching benefits to marsh birds, other wildlife and people, and it will take innovative, sustained efforts to restore and maintain them into the future. With funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Management Program, the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Audubon and partners have established regular marsh bird monitoring at 31 sites across the region and developed carrying capacity population models that help inform acreage goals and management scenarios to restore hemimarsh habitat and marsh bird populations. This effort has culminated in a wetland conservation action plan for the region and, thanks to funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Sustain Our Great Lakes Program, and Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, restoration is now underway at nearly 200 acres of priority Calumet wetlands.
Project Partners:
- Forest Preserves of Cook County
- Chicago Park District
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- The Nature Conservancy of Indiana and Illinois
- Lake County Parks
- The Field Museum
- The Wetlands Initiative
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wetland Monitoring & Stewardship
Illinois Calumet Marsh Bird Survey
The Illinois Calumet Marsh bird survey informs habitat restoration at important wetlands in the Calumet Region.
Indiana Marsh Bird Survey
Marsh bird surveys are needed to better inform habitat management at Indiana wetlands.
Conservation Volunteers
Get outdoors with the local conservation community and make a difference for birds and the places they need.
More on Calumet Wetlands
Restoration Internship Program
Habitat restoration training for careers in conservation.
More Than 100 Acres of Wetlands to be Restored on Southeast Side of Chicago
"Improving drainage and better controlling the flow of water in the Calumet is important for the benefit of birds and people"
Marsh Birds Provide the Blueprint for Wetland Restoration
"These incredible [marsh bird] species tell us how to save our wetlands and water. It won’t be easy and it won’t be fast, but if we want future generations to enjoy the wonders of birds and nature and abundant and clean water, it’s worth it."
Marsh birds of the Calumet
Ways You Can Help
Join A Chapter
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.
Donate to Audubon
Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts.