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Conservation

Great Lakes

A natural wonder. A vital resource. A place to call home.

More than a thousand animal species and
42 million people depend on the Great Lakes every day. The lakes boast more than 10,000 miles of coastline—and 20 percent of the world’s freshwater resources. The stakes are high, and this international treasure needs your help now. Join Shedd Aquarium’s efforts to keep the lakes great. 

Start here by taking the Shedd pledge.

The Great Lakes are the Earth’s largest freshwater ecosystem. The natural wonder we call the Great Lakes consists of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario, as well as the St. Lawrence River. Its waters and surrounding wetlands, sand dunes, rivers and streams, forests and prairies host a wide array of species, including 200 globally rare plants and animals. The system’s cities, towns and farms support 42 million people, who depend on the lakes for drinking water, homes, workplaces and recreation spaces. How do you depend on the Great Lakes?

The lakes face enormous—and growing—conservation challenges. Crucial local habitats are being degraded and lost. Invasive species endanger native species and the system’s overall heath. Poor water-use practices and threats to water quality are putting the Great Lakes at risk.

But it’s not too late to late to do your part to keep the lakes great. Here’s how:

I will look at the lakes as a resource that needs my help. 
            Look more closely at the challenges to the lakes
I will learn how my actions can make a difference.
            Learn what you can do to help at home and at play
I will lead by example and encourage others to join.
            Find out how you can be a leader in keeping the lakes great


Great Lakes Conservation efforts are sponsored by:





The Great Lakes Conservation Awareness Initiative is generously supported by:

American Airlines & Carlson Wagonlit Travel Shared Beneficial Services Fund

Aurelio’s Pizza

Helen M. Harrison Foundation

HSBC - North America

Norfolk Southern Foundation

Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust

This project has been made possible with support of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

This website was prepared by the Shedd Aquarium Society under award NA09SEC4690042 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Meet Shedd's Great Lakes team

Shedd’s Great Lakes team may be coming to a festival or event near you!  We love talking to people about why the Great Lakes are so important and what you can do to personally help them.  Come by one of these fun events and say “hi” to the Shedd team!

Upcoming events:

July 15-18
Tall Ships Bay City

Through Aug. 1
Tall Ships Duluth

Full event list