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Restore the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes watershed—containing nearly 95 percent of America's freshwater surface—is one of the most significant ecosystems in the world. A central Midwestern hub for birds, fish, and other wildlife, the Great Lakes region serves as home to many of Audubon's Important Bird Areas and as habitat more than 400 bird species, including the Great Blue Heron. The Great Lakes are also an incredible resource for the area's nearly 42 million people, providing fresh drinking water, recreation, transportation, and economic benefits. The health of the Great Lakes is critical to everything that depends on them.

Unfortunately, faced with threats from invasive species, toxic and nutrient pollution, and destruction to habitat, these treasures are degrading. Restoration projects are underway, but continued federal, state, and local funding is critical to restore health to the Great Lakes for us today, and for future generations. Audubon is committed to advocating for increased funding to Great Lakes restoration, continuing to lead efforts to fund the Water Resources Development Act, focusing on bird and wildlife habitat restoration, and protection of open spaces adjacent to Great Lakes wetlands, particularly in Important Bird Area watersheds. Download Audubon's Great Lakes Restoration fact sheet for more information on the importance of Great Lakes protection (722 kb PDF).