National Audubon Society

Monthly Newsletter Fall 2023

Major Habitat Restoration Project at Powderhorn Lake Restoring 100 Acres of Wetlands

A three-year-long conservation effort was just completed that adds green space and reconnects waterways to bring back declining bird species, fish and alleviate flooding on the Southeast Side of Chicago.

Last month, Audubon Great Lakes, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and partners at the Great Lakes Commission, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a significant restoration project at Powderhorn Lake preserve, restoring more than 100 acres of wetlands and reconnecting Powderhorn Lake to Wolf Lake, creating improved habitats for birds, fish and other wildlife to thrive. Learn more about this cutting-edge restoration project.
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Powderhorn Lake Restoration. Credit: Hey and Associates

Wild Turkeys. Photo: October Greenfield/Audubon Photography Awards

The Comeback of Michigan’s Wild Turkey

Did you know that turkeys not only gobble, they also cluck and purr? Wild Turkeys can be found across Michigan roosting in trees (really!) and strutting and puffing out their feathers. But that wasn’t always the case as populations across the state were decimated due to the destruction of critical habitat and unregulated hunting. Thanks to collaborative conservation, these incredible birds are once again thriving across Michigan's forests and open woodland habitats. Learn how you can support Wild Turkeys.

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Wild Turkeys. Photo: October Greenfield/Audubon Photography Awards

Cerulean Warbler. Photo: Jesse Gordon/Audubon Photography Awards

Going Solar in Ohio is For the Birds

Audubon scientists are telling us that more than two-thirds of North American birds could go extinct if climate change remains unchecked. We’re already seeing how Ohio birds are responding to climate change. Species like the Great Egret and Northern Parula, previously unknown to Ohio, are appearing more frequently, while species like the Black Tern, Cerulean Warbler and Wood Thrush are being pushed further north. Learn how solar energy sources have the power to boost our economy while reducing harmful air pollution that contributes to climate change.

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Cerulean Warbler. Photo: Jesse Gordon/Audubon Photography Awards

Residents Come Together Over Urgent Need for Climate Solutions

Birds and Brews, presented by Audubon Great Lakes and Detroit Audubon, welcomed Michigan residents, local leaders for a discussion on climate action to protect birds and communities. More than 60 Audubon members gathered at Brewery Faisan in Detroit to hear a panel discussion from environmental and policy experts on solutions that will protect Michigan’s birds from the looming threat of climate change, while creating resilient communities.

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Birds and Brews

American Flamingoes at Port Washington, Wisconsin. Photo: Tom Prestby/Audubon Great Lakes

How to Be a Responsible Birder and Wildlife Photographer

It was an incredible year for birding across the Great Lakes region, as a number of birds that were outside their normal wintering and breeding areas for a variety of reasons were spotted. Among the rare vagrants spotted were several species native to Florida, including the Roseate Spoonbill, Limpkin, and American Flamingo. With winter on its way, birders are excitedly awaiting the arrival of northern finches and owls. But whether it is a rare vagrant, irruptive northern breeder, or a common backyard bird, it’s important for all of us to use best birding practices to protect our Great Lakes birds and visitors. Here are our top tips and some helpful resources to help guide your next birding trip.

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American Flamingoes at Port Washington, Wisconsin. Photo: Tom Prestby/Audubon Great Lakes

Piping Plovers are one of Michigan's 55 high vulnerability species due to climate change. Piping Plovers. Photo: Melissa Groo/Audubon Photography Awards

Great News for Michigan Birds!

The Michigan Clean Energy Future Package passed the House and is ready to be signed by the Governor! These climate friendly bills will put the state on the path to 100 percent carbon-free energy to protect birds like the vulnerable Black Tern and people across the state!

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Piping Plovers are one of Michigan's 55 high vulnerability species due to climate change. Piping Plovers. Photo: Melissa Groo/Audubon Photography Awards

Least Bittern. Photo: Joshua Galicki/Audubon Photography Awards.

Why are Wetlands Important?

Did you know the Great Lakes region has approximately 300,000 acres of coastal wetlands in the U.S. alone. We invite you to learn about some of the most important Great Lakes wetlands near you by exploring Audubon Great Lakes’ Priority Regions and our plan to restore and protect the highest priority acres of coastal wetlands in the Great Lakes. Tour some of these wetlands in Wisconsin, learn more about the importance of wetland protections in Indiana from a recent poll, explore Michigan’s premier Wetland Wonders, or get outside to visit your local public lands and waters! Learn more about what Audubon is doing to advocate for more wetland protections.

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Least Bittern. Photo: Joshua Galicki/Audubon Photography Awards.

Sandhill Crane. Photo: Robin Ulery/Audubon Photography Awards

What will your legacy be?

Support the birds that you have cared about throughout your lifetime, beyond your lifetime. Remembering Audubon in your will, living trust, or as a beneficiary of your retirement account is a powerful reflection of your values. These gifts mean that we can keep protecting threatened birds for generations to come. Visit us at audubon.org/legacy for FREE guides on how your future gift can make a huge impact on Audubon’s work for years to come. Help protect birds for future generations by including a legacy gift to Audubon Great Lakes or one of its programs, such as the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Ohio.

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Sandhill Crane. Photo: Robin Ulery/Audubon Photography Awards

Great Lakes Piping Plover at Cat Islands in WI. Credit: Tom Prestby

Save the Date! Recovery Efforts for Great Lakes Piping Plover Webinar!

If you enjoyed some time on Great Lakes beaches this summer, you may have encountered a little sandy-colored shorebird called a Piping Plover. These birds are part of an endangered population that has been making quite the comeback over the last decade. This year, a new record was shattered: there were 80 pairs of Piping Plovers that nested in the Great Lakes region – the most pairs since being listed as endangered! And for the first time in the program's history, Piping Plovers were released outside of Michigan, the population's stronghold. One new release site was at the Cat Islands in Lower Green Bay, WI.

WHEN: December 14, 12:00pm-1:00pm CDT
LOCATION: Virtual Webinar
RSVP: https://act.audubon.org/a/recovery-progress-record-breaking-great-lakes-piping-plover-breeding-season

During the webinar, experts from Audubon Great Lakes, US Fish and Wildlife Service and other members of the Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Team will discuss the successful recovery efforts, threats these birds still need to overcome, and what you can to do help!

RSVP

Great Lakes Piping Plover at Cat Islands in WI. Credit: Tom Prestby

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