Challenges like invasive species, habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change impacts, and altered hydrology threaten the health of Michigan, both ecologically and economically. To ensure that future generations will enjoy the same benefits of living here that we do today, we must address these threats with a long-term, comprehensive plan of action.
What we are doing
In order to protect and restore Michigan’s natural systems, The Nature Conservancy is using a multi-faceted approach that includes:
- Developing broad, innovative strategies that can be applied across large natural systems—forests, water, and coasts—that span Michigan and the Great Lakes basin
- Putting these strategies into action in priority places within these systems
Strategies for Using Nature Sustainably
These strategies align with those being employed throughout the Great Lakes.
- Native Fisheries
- Watershed Connectivity
- Aquatic Invasive Species
- Science and Policy
Clicking the links below will take you to Michigan preserves where the above strategies, in addition to traditional protection, are being implemented.
- Saginaw Bay Watershed (For an in-depth look at work happening in Saginaw Bay Watershed, visit Conservation Gateway.)
- Southern Fens and Savannahs
- Green Bay Watershed
- Western Lake Erie (For an in-depth look at work happening in Western Lake Erie, visit nature.ly/WLEcoastalvision.)
- Eastern Lake Michigan
- Northern Lake Huron
- Southern Lake Superior
Latest News & Features
From inventorying Great Lakes islands to studying the effectiveness of land protection for aquatic systems, research conducted and communicated by Conservancy scientists help inform others working on conservation issues.
Do you want to partner with the Conservancy to do research on our preserves? If you are a professor or student at an academic institution and would like to help The Nature Conservancy discover answers to Conservation Science research questions, please fill out a research application. Download
To improve connectivity on the Two Hearted River, the Conservancy replaced an unserviceable culvert with a new bridge.
Watch this video to learn how we're bringing critical wetlands back to life for birds and fish.