Ecosystem Services and Restoration

Protection and restoration of Great Lakes ecosystem services and restoration is vital, as they contain 95 percent of the surface freshwater in the United States and more coastline than the entire East Coast. 

The Great Lakes provide significant environmental, economic, and social value to the region and nation. Part of the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world and home to thousands of plant and animal species, the Great Lakes are our country’s primary freshwater supply and economic driver in the region. Recognizing the importance of the Great Lakes and the years of degradation and abuse this vital national resource has suffered, work is needed to clean up toxic hot spots, restore degraded habitat, and reduce nutrient loadings in order to maintain this precious resource.

With our partners at NOAA GLERL, CIGLR is committed to developing information products, predictive models, and strategies to combat and manage ecosystem services and restoration in the Great Lakes region. Our activities in this area include:

1. Great Lakes Shoreline Restoration

2. Detroit and Rouge River Restoration

3. Great Lakes Observing System for Human Dimensions


Stay up-to-date on the most recent news and scientific media generated from our Ecosystem Services and Restoration research here:

Publications

Research Themes

  

Invasive Species Photo Gallery

Video Library

Follow the work of Great Lakes researchers as we travel 5,000 miles and talk to more than 40 experts on the vital role coastal wetlands play in keeping the Great Lakes healthy. Learn more about this small but mighty ecosystem and the importance of preserving them for future generations in “Linking Land and Lakes: Protecting Great Lakes’ Coastal Wetlands.” Watch full video: https://www.pbs.org/video/linking-land-and-lakes-hdo22u/

Video Library

Learn more about recent work in the Detroit River to enhance the environment, recreational opportunities, and our blue economy. If you would like to become a member of Friends of the Detroit River please click on this link: https://detroitriver.org/membership.html

Video Library
Presented by Friends of the Detroit River and hosted by MSU Extension. This webinar highlights the importance of coastal wetlands and restoration efforts in the Detroit River related to climate change. Key speakers included: Dr. John Hartig, Terry Heatlie, Greg Norwood, Sam Lovall, and Robert Burns.