Shedd's Great Lakes Program
Learn more about how we're helping the Great Lakes.
Shedd is committed to protecting the Great Lakes by conducting science and research through collaborative efforts with other Great Lakes organizations, facilitating work between Great Lakes leaders that will develop solutions for tomorrow’s conservation challenges, and offering immersive learning programs and outreach for all ages.
Find out more about Great Lakes conservation , or join the conversation on Shedd's Great Lakes Facebook page and Twitter account.
Key Issues in Great Lakes Conservation
Shedd Aquarium focuses on four issues of concern that affect everyone and everything in the Great Lakes region, from the smallest freshwater mussel to the largest city on the shoreline:
Ecological Separation
Physical separation of habitats to prohibit aquatic life from moving between the Great Lakes and other watersheds.
Shedd uses its trusted voice to build public understanding of ecological separation by presenting a comprehensive view of the issues and potential solutions through learning programs, media outreach, and collaboration with other Great Lakes organizations.
Invasive Species
Great Lakes ecosystems are threatened by the introduction of non-native species that have the potential to kill or outcompete native wildlife.
Shedd contributes to research that leads to solutions for invasive species issues by studying nonnative species, building research partnerships, and sharing invasive species prevention messages with the public.
Native Species
Of the more than 1,000 species living in or near the lakes, over 200 are globally rare.
Shedd protects and promotes native Great Lakes wildlife by studying native species to help prevent new and escalated threatened or endangered listings. Shedd also creates meaningful experiences for people to connect with and celebrate native Great Lakes species.
Habitat Restoration
Areas that provide critical habitat and ecosystem services are under pressure from development, pollution, and climate change.
Shedd accelerates habitat restoration to support Great Lakes wildlife by lending its expertise and resources to support restoration projects and collaborations.
Find out more about these key issues.
But it’s not too late to late to do your part to keep the lakes great. Here’s how:
Look more closely at the challenges to the lakes
Learn what you can do to help at home and at play
Find out how you can be a leader in keeping the lakes great
You can help the Great Lakes by donating to Shedd Aquarium's annual fund. Donations to Shedd Aquarium support animal care, education programs and conservation initiatives, including Keep the Lakes Great. Donate online now.
Conservator Partners:
The Great Lakes Conservation Awareness Initiative is generously supported by:
Helen M. Harrison Foundation
HSBC - North America
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.
Great Lakes Program
Read more about our Great Lakes program (PDF).
