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.

Hellbenders: fantastic beasts of rivers and streams

A biologist holds an Ozark hellbender
A biologist holds an Ozark hellbender. Photo by Jill Utrup/USFWS.

Paddlers enjoying a canoe trip down a Missouri stream may float right over one of the continent’s largest and most imperiled salamanders. The Ozark hellbender, a federally endangered species, is a fascinating, little-known amphibian struggling to survive in a changing world. We're working with partners to make sure the Ozark hellbender, and its close relative the eastern hellbender, remain part of our natural landscape.

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Don’t touch these plants! Six lookalikes you want to avoid

Wild parsnip
Wild parsnip. Photo courtesy of Joshua Mayer/Creative Commons.

It can be difficult to determine whether you’re looking at hogweed, hemlock or parsnip, but all of these plants have several things in common. Contact may cause unpleasant, potentially deadly, reactions. We want to help you identify and differentiate these plants so you can keep your distance as needed. Most of these plants are invasive and easily grow in ditches and disturbed soils across the country. Get familiar with these species to stay safe!

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Taking back our waters

Adult silver carp
Adult silver carp. Photo by USFWS.

May 16-23, 2020 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. From land to waterways, we work alongside partners to prevent new invasions and combat the establishment of self-sustaining populations of invasive species, such as Asian carp.

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Celebrate the newest recovery champions! These Minnesota biologists are making a difference for imperiled species

2019 Endangered Species Recovery champions Rich Baker (left) and Tamara Smith (right).
2019 Endangered Species Recovery champions Rich Baker and Tamara Smith.

We are pleased to announce biologists Rich Baker and Tamara Smith as the 2019 Endangered Species Recovery champions for the Great Lakes Region. Baker and Smith join individuals and teams across the United States recognized for their work last year with endangered and threatened species.

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Celebrating spring in your neighborhood

Tree swallow perched on a branch
Tree swallow perched on a branch. Photo by Jessica Bolser/USFWS.

Spring is in full swing! Brighter days are greeted with singing birds and blossoming flowers. Whether you’re a new wildlife watcher or a lifelong fan, spring is a great time to view and appreciate your neighborhood wildlife. How many of these wildlife neighbors have you noticed?

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Last updated: May 29, 2020