The Latest from the Coalition
On this page you can find the latest news from the Coalition, including stories of restoration successes, profiles of ongoing clean water issues, policy updates, and press releases.
Tree Equity Grants Restore Urban Tree Canopies in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin
To help combat tree inequity, nonprofit environmental advocacy organization Faith in Place was awarded $1.99 million by the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to increase urban tree canopies in the Great Lakes region. Made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, these funds will allow Faith in Place to facilitate tree planning and workforce development projects at faith institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Making the Apostle Islands More Accessible for Visitors with Disabilities
Adding accessible ramps, boat launches, trails, and signage is helping visitors with disabilities access a culturally and environmentally significant Great Lakes destination.
Creating a Diverse Water Sector Workforce in Milwaukee
When Milwaukee’s Water Equity Taskforce found that employees of the water sector in the region didn’t reflect the diversity of the community and that structural barriers prevented equitable representation, participating organizations took action.
Building Up Tribal Capacity for Natural Resource Management
Building up the Lac Courte Oreilles Band’s capacity for natural resource management aids in monitoring and conserving culturally important native species such as wild rice, and promotes community awareness and education around the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Getting the Lead Out in Milwaukee
The majority of Wisconsin’s lead poisoning cases are from Milwaukee’s north and south sides, where the local populations are predominantly Black and Brown. From this crisis, Milwaukee has also become home to a grassroots collective working to get the lead out of the city: The Coalition on Lead Emergency (COLE).
Wisconsin Farm Network Reduces Runoff
The Door-Kewaunee Watershed Demonstration Farm Network is supporting sustainable methods of farming to reduce runoff pollution into Lake Michigan and Green Bay, improve groundwater and surface water quality, and model those practices for other local farms.
Streambank Restoration at Petrifying Springs Park Improves Water Quality, Restores Native Species
Planting native vegetation along the Pike River and restoring an adjacent wetland is reducing erosion, preventing storm runoff, and providing a home for fish and other native species.
Habitat Restoration Near Green Bay Brings Back Waterfowl
Planting wild rice and other aquatic vegetation at the Duck Creek Delta is restoring habitat for birds and other wildlife while improving water quality.