Great Lakes Nature Conservation, Environment Issues

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Great Lakes

Protecting the World's Largest Freshwater Ecosystem

We’re using science and innovation to help restore the health of Green Bay for people and nature.

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Late afternoon light illuminates the shoreline of Lake Michigan's Green Bay, photographed on the western coast of Wisconsin's Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin. Mark Godfrey © 2007 The Nature Conservancy

Ensuring that the Great Lakes and its surrounding lands and waters are sustainable, healthy and resilient—providing benefits for nature and people—is the aim of the Conservancy’s Great Lakes Project. Come explore how the Conservancy and its partners are protecting and restoring this magnificent freshwater resource.

Goals
Feature Stories
Take Action

State Director Helen Taylor thanked State Senator Patty Birkholz at a packed press conferece about Saugatuck Dunes. © James Cook

Build

Conserving nature by building a network of protected areas.

Jack McGowan-Stinski points to the federally endangered Pitcher's thistle, a native plant threatened by encroaching baby's breath, an invasive species. © The Nature Conservancy

Restore

Focusing on crucial habitats and threats to restore lands and waters.

Through a cooperative proposal, funding from the AEP Foundation helped both Chikaming Open Lands and The Nature Conservancy improve visitor access at preserves. © COL/Beth Denton

Learn and Share

Collaborating to improve land and water management.

Kirtland's Warbler Photo TNC

The Business of Birding

Birders across the Great Lakes pursue their passion.

lake erie fishing_Eric Albrecht Media 125x83

Reeling in a catch on Lake Erie © Eric Albrecht

Hooked on Habitat

The Conservancy is helping restore the health of Lake Erie for fish and sportfishing enthusiasts.

Giving to the Great Lakes Nature TNC

Giving to the Great Lakes

Learn more about The Nature Conservancy's Great Lakes Project.

WOPA051011_D026 -- Canoeing,, Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada.

Canoeing through marsh and wetlands at Point Pelee National Park on the north shore of Lake Erie in Ontario province Canada. © Mark Godfrey

Two Hearted River

The variety of wildlife in the Two-Hearted River watershed is truly astounding.

The Great Lakes are the world's largest freshwater system. © TNC Archives

What’s incredible beyond any measure?

Our Great Lakes, of course! Watch a new video telling the story of The Nature Conservancy’s Great Lakes Project.

Detroit youth sponsor a tea to raise awareness for The Nature Conservancy. © Jason Whalen

ManaTea Party

Young adults from the Detroit area hosted a tea party to raise money and awareness for The Nature Conservancy. Watch video

Clough Island © Richard Hamilton Smith

Clough Island

Clough Island is the centerpiece of the St. Louis River Estuary and essential to its protection.

Carrie Vollmer-Sanders © Beth Warner/TNC

Reaping What We Sow

We’re working with the agriculture industry to protect water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

_MG_1866.jpg -- Timber cruiser Jon Fosgitt

Timber cruiser Jon Fosgitt © Michael D-L Jordan

Two Hearted River

The nearly 25,000 acres... are a living laboratory full of... rarities.

Update from The Nature Conservancy's Great Lakes Project

The Nature Conservancy is bringing together states from around the Great Lakes basin with our Canadian partners to protect, restore and maintain the world’s largest freshwater system. Our Great Lakes Project is focused on the protection and restoration of the most critical natural systems within the region. Go deeper using an interactive map to learn how we are working to address the threats facing these systems with effective conservation strategies.