Adapting to Change: Collaborative & Science-Driven Reforestation for Coastal Resilience

The Great Lakes region is facing a growing array of challenges from the continual spread of invasive pests to a warming climate that brings with it new extreme weather patterns. These issues are placing unprecedented strain on our coastal habitats, endangering the ecological health of areas critical to migratory birds and other wildlife. With funding from the U.S. Forest Service and Wildlife Conservation Society, LNRP is working with a team of consultants, nonprofits, municipalities, and community members to spearhead a comprehensive tree planting initiative that tackles these environmental threats head-on.

Reflecting on 20 Years of Impact

For 20 years, LNRP has been committed to the ideals of conservation, collaboration, and community as we serve 2,400 square miles of the Lakeshore Basin. You can find an overview of our impact here, and we encourage you to explore the 2021-2022 Impact Report for more details, reflections, and voices!

Project Update — Coastal Resilience Community Impact Project

Extreme precipitation events, coastal storms, and fluctuating water levels pose threats to Lake Michigan coastal communities. Flooding, erosion, and storm surge can threaten properties and impair infrastructure and other assets that are vital to the region’s economic security. Agricultural and urban runoff during heavy rain events can also impair water quality in receiving water bodies, further threatening recreation and tourism. Planning, preparing for and adapting to these and other climate change hazards can enhance community resilience and strengthen coastal economies.

Project Update — LNRP’s Coastal Resiliency Community Impact Project

In response to the challenge of climate change, LNRP launched the Coastal Resiliency Community Impact Project (CRCIP) in late 2020 and spent 2021 engaging Lake Michigan’s coastal communities. We believe this Coastal Resiliency opportunity will prove valuable resources to our municipal partners working to identify, plan, fund, and execute relevant community projects.