In early March, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition brought over 80 advocates from across the Great Lakes region to Washington, D.C. for Great Lakes Day—an annual event focused on the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes. The event gathered passionate environmental activists, local leaders, and concerned citizens who are committed to ensuring clean water and a sustainable future for the Great Lakes.

After nearly 40 years, the Rochester Embayment Area of Concern—a 35-square-mile portion of Lake Ontario near Rochester, New York—has shed its status as one of the most environmentally degraded places in the Great Lakes region. Learn more about this achievement happened in this success story.

Great Lakes supporters are in Washington, D.C., with the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, to urge members of Congress to continue their support for federal investments to protect the drinking water, public health, jobs, and quality of life for the millions of people in the eight-state region.

The Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and 95 partner organizations submitted a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, urging the Administrator to consider three main principles to ensure the success of the GLRI program over the next five years.

Planting over 200 trees is cooling neighborhoods thereby protecting public health, as well as soaking up rain water to mitigate flooding in communities.

Controlling invasive cattail and restoring fish habitat improve water quality and recreational opportunities in a Lake Ontario bay.

Students removed invasive plants and replanted native species to enhance wildlife habitat and restore water quality near Milwaukee, Wis.

Restoring a wetland near the Manistee River is improving water quality, creating a home for wildlife, and creating outdoor recreation opportunities.