In the Allouez Bay, the fight to restore the natural wetlands has begun. Audubon Great Lakes has collaborated with the Wisconsin DNR, and around twelve other partners to help improve native bird and vegetation populations.

“We’re trying to address decreasing populations of marsh birds, especially birds like rails, bidders, grebes, some species of terns who have had drastically falling populations over the last couple of decades,” said Tom Presby, Wisconsin conservation manager for Audubon Great Lakes.

One of the main perpetrators affecting marshlands is an invasive species called Narrowleaf Cattail. This species has taken over the area previously inhabited by native high-quality vegetation and formed large mats that prevent bird nesting.

“So right now we have contractors who are mowing this invasive cattail, and we do it this time of year because their starch reserves are highest, so you have the best chance of knocking them back, we also do it this time of year because the birds are done nesting for the year,” said Presby.

Though the mowing of cattails takes little time, the restoration could take years to complete

“This phase of the project will be conducted over the next two to three years we have preliminary cattail management happening right now retreatment is possible next year or the following year the hemi marsh construction, which is the designing of the channels and pools in these cattail areas will happen later this fall and winter. So that’s the next couple years we’ll also be monitoring how birds and how the vegetation responds over these next couple years,” said Presby.

No matter the timeline, for Audubon Great Lakes and their partners, this is a battle worth fighting for.

To follow the Allouez Bay project, go to Audubon Great Lakes