American Bittern
Latin: Botaurus lentiginosus
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Photo: David Fuller.
The largest freshwater ecosystem on earth, the Great Lakes hold more than 20 percent of our planet's freshwater. With over 10,000 miles of coastline, the Great Lakes are perhaps our greatest natural resource in the region. From the provision of clean drinking water and fish nurseries, to the buffering effect applied to flood and drought events, the coastal wetlands are deeply connected to the people of the Great Lakes. In the face of climate change these wetlands have never been so important for both birds and people.
Unfortunately, more than two thirds of the original coastal wetlands in the Great Lakes have been lost to agriculture, industry or human residence. The wetlands that do remain are under serious threat from invasive species and altered hydrology. As they often do, our birds have served as messengers of these threats with dramatic and long-term population declines sounding an alarm.
Audubon is working to empower our network in the region to protect and restore Great Lakes coastal wetlands that improves habitat for breeding and migratory birds, builds our coastal communities resiliency to climate change and improves water quality for birds and people.
A conservation action plan for the coastal wetlands of Illinois and Indiana
Restoring wetlands in Southeast Michigan to benefit vulnerable marsh birds like the Black Tern
Conserving wetlands for vulnerable marsh birds like the Marsh Wren.
Restoring wetlands in Northeast Wisconsin for marsh birds, and protecting vulnerable birds like the Great Lakes Piping Plover.
Improving wetlands conditions for vulnerable Michigan birds like the Black Tern.
Restoring hemi-marsh conditions marsh birds need to thrive in Northwest Wisconsin.
Protecting the region's wetland habitat for birds like the American Bittern and Black Tern.
New interactive data tool helping inform restoration efforts in the Calumet Region for birds and people.
Report and tool helping to inform conservation within the Grand River Coastal Corridor.
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.
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.
