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.

Midwest snow, rain and wind greets hunters at 15th Annual Lost Mound Deer Hunt in Illinois

A deer taken at the hunt

Successful deer hunt at Lost Mound Unit. Photo by Tina Shaw/USFWS.

From waterfowling among the cattails to scoping deer in the oak savanna, we at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service know that hunters of all backgrounds and abilities deserve access to quality hunting opportunities at America’s national wildlife refuges and other protected lands. We are proud to work with our state partners and other conservation organizations to provide hunting opportunities for all by hosting events for hunters with mobility, vision and other physical challenges. Take a moment to learn about a recent deer hunt in Illinois.

Learn more »

New installation at a Minnesota art park is for pollinators

A hill in Caponi park

Caponi Art Park. Photo by Mara Koenig/USFWS.

Art is often inspired by nature. Embedded in the rolling, wooded hills and grassy slopes in a St. Paul, Minnesota suburb is art. This distinctive community space offers cultural and educational experiences in an inviting, natural setting, and now hosts a new installation for pollinators. We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service know the inherent value in public greenspaces. We partnered with the Eagan Kick-Start Rotary Club, Caponi Art Park and City of Eagan to create a mosaic pattern for pollinators. Discover how art in nature can benefit not only people, but wildlife too.

Learn more »

Reconnecting Lake Erie: Bringing back the ebb and flow of Ohio’s coastal wetlands

Crane Creek Estuary

Crane Creek Estuary. Photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Water. It’s essential for all living things and connects us all. Having access to clean water is vital for both wildlife and people, and America’s wetlands help make that possible. We're pleased to see the waters of Lake Erie being reconnected with the protected wetlands of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more about how the H2Ohio Initiative is moving with speed and scale to reduce phosphorus and fight algal blooms in Ohio.

Learn more »

Kirtland’s warbler census shows once-endangered songbird continues to thrive

Kirtland's warbler perched in a tree

Kirtland's warbler. Photo by Jim Hudgins/USFWS.

State and federal agencies and droves of volunteers have partnered to count Michigan’s Kirtland’s warbler population. The agencies recently announced that surveys conducted in June show the small songbirds have continued to flourish since their October 2019 removal from the federal list of endangered species.

Learn more »

Bats are one of the most important misunderstood animals

Endangered Ozark big-eared bats in a cave

Endangered Ozark big-eared bats. Photo by Richard Stark/USFWS.

Few of nature’s animals are as misunderstood as bats. We want to set the record straight and help others understand the importance of bats. Though often feared and loathed as sinister creatures of the night, bats are vital to the health of our environment and our economy. Here you’ll learn more about why bats are so essential, the threats they’re facing, how we’re conserving bats and how you can help create a bat-friendly environment.

Learn more »

See more stories and news releases »

 

Last updated: November 16, 2021