Detroit River and St. Clair Flats Restoration

Near the Detroit metropolitan area lie the Detroit River and St. Clair Flats, the world’s largest freshwater delta. These locations include wetlands that provide vital habitat for bird species such as the American Bittern, Black Tern, and Marsh Wren—but decades of urbanization and industrialization have destroyed up to 92% of Detroit's wetlands, endangering the region’s bird populations. Recognizing its ecological importance, Audubon scientists have identified this area as one of the 12 most critical coastal wetland regions in the Great Lakes for bird conservation. 

To combat habitat loss and species decline, Audubon and its partners are restoring these ecosystems, removing invasive plants, and studying bird populations. One major focus of the project is the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area, which hosts Michigan’s largest Black Tern colony. The Black Tern population here has sharply declined due to habitat degradation, climate impacts, and invasive species. Through detailed field research, radio tracking, and habitat restoration, Audubon is working to reverse these declines and secure the long-term survival of Black Terns and other wetland-dependent birds, with support from regional and national partners and funding organizations. 

Partners on this project include Michigan DNR, Detroit Bird Alliance, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Common Coast Research and Conservation, Detroit Zoological Society, Upper Mississippi Great Lakes Joint Venture, University of Michigan, University of Redlands, and Indiana University. Audubon’s work in the region is supported by the MI DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Upper Mississippi Great Lakes Joint Venture (UMGLJV).