News by Topics - Habitats and Species
NOAA Highlights Numerous Successful 2025 GLRI Projects
Projects such as new invasive crayfish curriculum, the Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Risk Forecast, and Environmental Sensitivity Index maps were implemented in 2025 to help address Great Lakes Restoration Initiative priorities throughout the basin.June 15, 2026
GLRI Funding Supports $1.6 Million in Grants to Benefit Communities and Habitat in Southeast Michigan
The grants, awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund, will restore and reconnect streams and floodplains, expand tree canopy and improve access to natural areas. The grants will also leverage more than $1.6 million in matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of more than $3.2 million.June 11, 2026
GLRI Funding Used to Support $1.2 Million in Grants to Restore Chicago and Calumet Waterways
The grants, awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chi-Cal Rivers Fund, will enhance habitat and improve water quality throughout the region. The grants will also generate $1 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $2.2 million.May 7, 2026
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Issues a Request for Proposals to Improve Habitat and Water Quality in the Great Lakes Basin
The Sustain Our Great Lakes Program is seeking proposals to improve and enhance: stream and riparian habitat to benefit species and improve water quality, nature-based infrastructure in Great Lakes Communities, and invasive species control. Significant program funding is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.May 1, 2026
GLRI Funding Supports $8.8 Million in Grants to Revitalize Great Lakes Habitats and Communities
The grants, awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Sustain Our Great Lakes program, will support 26 projects throughout the basin to sustain, restore and protect fish, wildlife and habitat, improve water quality and enhance natural areas for communities.April 23, 2026
Increasing Habitat and Supporting Native Fish in Saginaw Bay
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission completed construction of a nearshore rock reef by Channel Island using GLRI funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Habitat Conservation.February 3, 2026
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Using GLRI Funds to Set Up Habitat Restoration Projects for Success
NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management and other partners are leveraging funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to advance habitat restoration projects in all eight Great Lakes states.November 25, 2025
Giving Lake Sturgeon a Strong Start
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and its partners are helping restore and reintroduce this vital Great Lakes species by intervening as caretakers early in the lake sturgeon’s lifecycle.November 17, 2025
Marking Fish for Maximum Impact
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s mass marking program is supporting the recovery of lake trout populations thanks to funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.November 13, 2025
Small Bird, Big Comeback: Great Lakes Piping Plovers Reach Record Numbers for the Second Year in a Row
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is helping guide the federally endangered piping plover on the path to recovery. 2025 saw the highest number of nesting pairs since the species was first listed in 1986.July 28, 2025