The Great Lakes are a haven to 350 species of birds, but fewer than half of the wetlands that once existed in Midwest America remain. Birds, like other wildlife, must contend with the loss of coastal habitats, a changing climate and invasive species. Some Great Lakes native species are seeing major declines in population, part of a bigger picture of bird loss: There are 29% fewer birds in North America than there were 50 years ago, a 2019 study found. Conservationists have their eye on the Great Lakes, laying out a plan for wetland habitats. “The birds are telling us that it’s time to act on behalf of the Great Lakes,” said Michelle Parker, executive director and vice president of Audubon Great Lakes, in a recent news conference.
As part of a blueprint released Monday, on World Water Day, Audubon Great Lakes highlighted 42 projects in a dozen regions to aid bird survival and help bolster overall ecosystems. To figure out which spots to prioritize, scientists turned to marsh birds as harbingers of wetland health, and also weighed water quality benefits and coastal resiliency. If our local flocks are an indicator, populations of trumpeting Sand Hill Cranes and Great Blue Herons, including our bustling rookery, at least locally, are on a healthy rebound.
As to equally thriving groups of Homosapien Sapiens, we just enjoyed our first Spring Ceremonial overnight. Here’s Lindsay’s say: “I can not say enough about how amazing my stay at THHRC was this past weekend! To be able to unwind, reset and recharge was priceless. Paul made sure we felt at home in the guest house and brought us the most delicious meals! Through his meditation class and sweat lodge ceremony, I experienced peace and quiet within myself in a way I’d never been able to experience before. I will definitely be back!” And we’ll be here, looking forward to circling back up in April and May, as well as embarking on our upcoming Spring Noble Silence Meditation Retreat Weekend. We’ll also be posting our Summer 2021 schedule at the start of April, with our monthly and quarterly offerings, along with additional classes lead by Heather Winia, John Ashbrook, and other visiting teachers. It’s a year of healing and taking our community’s health to a whole new level, with the hope that you find time to foster your own well-being and join us on the journey soon.