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Recognized as the largest freshwater estuary in the world, the Green Bay region is a critical refuge for Wisconsin birds. The area contains four 91���� Important Bird Areas (IBAs), offering vital habitat for marsh birds, migratory land birds and vulnerable shorebirds. ​ 

The Green Bay region has been identified by 91���� scientists as one of the 12 most important coastal wetland regions across the Great Lakes to conserve or restore for at-risk marsh birds.  

Years of urbanization and pollution have degraded wetlands across the region, particularly in the lower Green Bay area and the Fox and East Rivers, which are listed as Environmental Protection Agency Areas of Concern (AOCs).  

Partners include Common Coast Research and Conservation, Lake-to-Lake CISMA , Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Northeast Wisconsin (NEW) 91���� Society, The Oneida Nation, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, UW-Green Bay 91���� Student Conservation Chapter, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 

Cat Island Restoration Project 

91���� Great Lakes is working alongside more than 10 partners to restore wetlands across the region, including projects such as The Cat Island Restoration Project. This project includes reconstruction of three islands in lower Green Bay, creating wetland and beach habitat for wildlife. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are constructing the islands using dredged material from the Green Bay Harbor navigation channel. The islands will continue to be built through this process until the project is completed by 2050.  

In 2016, bird monitors first recorded Great Lakes Piping Plovers nesting at Cat Island. 91���� Great Lakes coordinates a team of volunteers, staff, and partners who monitor nesting plovers daily from early April through early August. Bird monitors for Great Lakes Piping Plovers are trained to protect nesting sites by educating the public, observing and recording plover behavior, and safeguarding nests from predators and human disturbance. 

Oneida Bird Monitoring Program 

The Oneida Nation has restored more than 3,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, prairies and forests on their reservation in Northeastern Wisconsin, alleviating water pollution and the spread of invasive plant species. The Oneida Bird Monitoring Program is a collaborative partnership between Oneida Nation, 91���� Great Lakes, Northeastern Wisconsin Bird Alliance and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Cofrin Center for Biodiversity (UWGB), working to understand how birds are responding to this important restoration work.   

Since 2021, volunteer bird monitors have conducted more than 1,500 surveys, identifying more than 200 bird species, and recording more than 200,000 individual birds at Oneida restoration sites—an incredible testament, both to the importance of this restoration and the dedication of volunteers. The project also aims to build community among local bird watchers and elevate Oneida’s rich culture, history and language through thoughtful knowledge-sharing.