Midwest Region Conserving the nature of America

Conserving the Nature of America

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The butterfly effect: Even small efforts can make a big difference for monarchs

A monarch butterfly on a purple coneflower in a native garden
Monarch butterfly on purple coneflower. Photo by Jim Hudgins/USFWS.

Living in such a large and complicated world, it’s easy to feel like you can’t make a difference. It’s easy to feel isolated and that your small efforts don’t add up. But they do! We want you to know that even small efforts can add great value for monarchs and other pollinators. Take a few moments to learn about how you can help make a future filled with more monarch butterflies.

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Keeping bald eagles and other wildlife safe from drones

Two bald eagles defend their nest against an intruder
A nest camera captures bald eagles defending their nest from an intruder. Photo courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley.

We know that eagles are fascinating and fun to watch. Sometimes eager wildlife enthusiasts take their observations a bit too far. One emerging threat to eagles and other wildlife is an increase in harassment from unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones. We need your help to keep eagles safe as they nest and raise young. Take a few moments to learn what special protections eagles have under federal law, how you can view them safely and what to do if you see someone harassing eagles or other wildlife.

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Helping wildlife while avoiding common pitfalls

Staged photo of yarn and lint in a suet cage
Providing lint and yarn can be hazardous to birds. Staged photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS.

We’ve been seeing a lot of tips for providing food, water and nesting materials to animals. Unfortunately, many of those tips are misguided end up being detrimental to the species we all want to help. Here are a few pitfalls you should avoid and some great alternatives that will help keep animals safe!

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My two dads: Eagle trio sees parenting success in Illinois

Bald eagle trio in their nest
Bald eagle trio. Photo courtesy of Stewards of Upper Mississippi River Refuge.

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and that’s true for wildlife too! Meet Valor I, Valor II and Starr, a breeding trio of bald eagles that live along the Mississippi River in Illinois. For several years, fans from all over the world have been watching this nontraditional family through a webcam as the eagles deal with the trials and tribulations of parenting.

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Service announces $1.4 million in grants to help protect Great Lakes Region imperiled species

Wood turtle with monitoring tools
Wood turtle surrounded by monitoring tools. Photo by Jessica Piispanen/USFWS.

We're pleased to announce that vulnerable wildlife across the nation will benefit from approximately $7.4 million in grants thanks to the Competitive State Wildlife Grant Program. The program supports projects led by state and commonwealth fish and wildlife agencies protecting imperiled wildlife and their habitat. This year’s Great Lakes Region grantees will receive $1.4 million in federal grant funds for three conservation projects.

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Last updated: April 12, 2021