Eastern Lake Michigan Restoration

Along the Eastern Lake Michigan shoreline lie coastal wetlands and river-mouth ecosystems that are vital for birds and people—providing critical habitat for bird nesting and migration while also improving water quality, protecting coastlines, and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for local communities across western Michigan. Unfortunately, up to 90 percent of the region’s original wetlands have been lost, threatening species such as the Marsh Wren and Virginia Rail that depend on these ecosystems for survival. 

This Eastern Lake Michigan region has been identified by Audubon scientists as one of the 12 most important coastal wetland regions across the Great Lakes that are most important to conserve or restore for vulnerable marsh birds. Audubon is working to protect these remaining wetlands by bringing together scientists, volunteers, and local partners to study bird populations, guide conservation planning, and carry out on-the-ground restoration. These efforts also reduce flooding in local communities and boost water quality—all of which strengthens the area’s resilience in the face of climate change.  

A focal point of the Eastern Lake Michigan region is the Grand River Coastal Corridor, where Audubon has partnered with Ottawa County Parks and Recreation and local stakeholders since 2018 to conduct an in-depth scientific assessment and develop conservation recommendations to most effectively restore key marsh bird habitats and connect natural areas across Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Grand Rapids. One key outcome of these efforts includes the Ottawa Sands County Park restoration that was completed in 2024—here, Audubon and partners transformed a former sand mining lake to better support marsh birds, waterfowl, migrating birds, fish, and other wildlife. 

Future plans include ongoing monitoring of marsh birds and other key species to better understand their needs and guide restoration/management actions, alongside establishing outreach programs that offer opportunities for the public to take part in conservation planning and learning more about these rich, diverse wetland landscapes. 

Partners in this region include the Wege Foundation, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, West Michigan Environmental Action Council, Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds,  Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership, Grand Haven Township, Land Conservancy of West Michigan, Spring Lake Township, City of Grand Haven, City of Norton Shores, Ottawa Conservation District, Grand Valley State University, and GEI Consultants. Audubon’s work in the Eastern Lake Michigan region is supported by the Wege Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sustain Our Great Lakes Program.