Great Lakes

NWF’s Great Lakes Regional Center is a leader in protecting the Great Lakes for the local wildlife and inhabitants. The team works to help restore habitats and waterways, stop invasive species, defend against sulfide mining, and support local communities across the region.

Three people, one sitting, greet each other outside.

Building Detroit’s Green Future, One Faith Community at a Time

The historic building that houses Gesu Catholic School is nearly a century old. It spans 97,000 square feet on two blocks in the west side of Detroit, a magnificent presence … Read more

A person on a boat reads a book. There is a dog sitting next to them.

Taking Stock of the Algal Soup

I’ve been sailing on Lake Erie for over twenty years, which incidentally coincides with the reemergence of toxic algal blooms. I’ve seen algal blooms large and small, of varying degrees … Read more

great blue heron

There’s Something Simmering in Kentucky (and it’s not your local bourbon distillery)

The Ohio River, which is legally owned by Kentucky and supplies drinking water to almost five million people, is home to over 160 species of fish, and supports countless other … Read more

photo collage

Great Lakes Indicators Can Benefit from Broader Stakeholder Input

How are the Great Lakes doing? This question arises often, both inside and outside the region. We have fortunately a group of environmental indicators that can go a long way … Read more

PFAS health advisory sign

Michigan Tells Hunters: Deer Near Toxic Site Not Safe To Eat

There are few activities more “Pure Michigan” than hunting, preparing, and eating wild game from in and around our state’s abundant woodlands and wetlands. Spending time outdoors during the crisp … Read more

underwater brook trout

PFAS Are Contaminating Our Fish – What This Means and What We Should Do About It

If you enjoy fishing, you have probably come across signs by lakes or streams recommending that you limit your consumption of certain fish—or even avoid eating them altogether. You may … Read more

May I Borrow a Cup of Water?

Growing up, I’m sure we can all recall a time where our parents would ask to borrow a cup of sugar from our neighbors, or neighbors would ask our parents … Read more

Zebra Mussels

Five Lakes, Two Countries…and One Ecosystem

A Healthy Dose of Binational Cooperation If you look at a map of our five Great Lakes, you’ll see a line running through the middle of four of them, marking … Read more

volunteers working in garden

Detroit Houses of Worship Join Hands in Addressing Stormwater Runoff

The Gesu Catholic Church and School on Detroit’s west side has drawn thousands of worshippers and students over its 100-year history. Notable names include four Detroit mayors and the late … Read more

Detroit youth participate in outdoor leadership activities

Special Sauce: The Detroit Sugarbush Project

A unique partnership between the National Wildlife Federation, the city of Detroit, and local advocacy groups has created the nation’s largest urban sugarbush in sprawling Rouge Park, connecting youth in … Read more