News by Topics - Habitats and Species
Restoration of Buckingham Creek in Minnesota Benefits Brook Trout and Stream Function
The $600,000 GLRI project restored approximately 3,500 feet of stream channel and 4,500 feet of connectivity to improve the ecological functions of the creek and resilience of the Brook Trout population.September 10, 2026
Piping Plovers Nesting on Wisconsin Point for First Time in Almost 50 Years Thanks to GLRI Restoration Work
Wisconsin DNR announced that a pair of critically endangered piping plovers was seen nesting on Wisconsin Point in Superior for the first time in 49 years. The site was restored under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through a habitat restoration project in the St. Louis River Area of Concern.September 2, 2026
GLRI Helps a Rare Butterfly Gain New Ground
Thanks in part to Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their partners are taking a significant step giving the Poweshiek skipperling a renewed chance at survival.August 10, 2026
Forest Service Opens $3.5M Community Forest Grant Opportunity in Lake Superior Basin
The Forest Service is offering Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants through the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. Funding is open to projects in Michigan and Wisconsin within the Lake Superior basin, in areas identified as a priority conservation area for the connectivity of wildlife habitat.August 3, 2026
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Issues a Request for Proposals to Restore Habitat in Chicago and Calumet Watersheds
The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund is seeking proposals to reduce stormwater runoff with nature-based solutions, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and improve public access to nature. Significant program funding is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.July 10, 2026
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