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.

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

PFAS foam

PFAS and the Great Lakes: The Need for Binational Action

Note: This blog was originally posted on the Canadian Environmental Law Association website on April 14, 2021 and can be accessed at https://cela.ca/guest-blog-pfas-and-the-great-lakes-the-need-for-binational-action/ Michael Murray, Ph.D., U.S. Co-chair, Toxics-Free Great Lakes … Read more

Grassroots activists rallied at event.

Zero Discharge & Virtual Elimination of Toxic Chemicals in the Great Lakes: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Note: This blog was originally posted on the Canadian Environmental Law Association website on April 12, 2021 and can be accessed at https://cela.ca/guest-blog-zero-discharge-virtual-elimination-of-toxic-chemicals-in-the-great-lakes-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow/ John Jackson is Canadian Co-chair, Toxics-Free Great Lakes … Read more

New Study Models the Threats of Invasive Carp to Great Lakes Food Web

A recent study published by the American Fisheries Society models the impacts that invasive carp would have on the food webs of the Great Lakes, predicting significant impacts on Lake … Read more

Ducks at Seney National Wildlife Refuge Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS.

2021 Great Lakes Region Agenda for Congress:

As the new Congress gets down to business after a bitter election—and post-election—that featured outright assaults on our democracy, we’re hearing a lot of talk about the need to unite … Read more