In 1970 citizens stood on the lakeshore and issued a powerful proclamation: "We don't have to wait for governments or anyone else to protect Lake Michigan. We can take steps together to restore the lake we love." Thus, the original Lake Michigan Federation was formed.
Thirty-five years later, in 2005, the organization crossed another threshold. Seeing that decisions made by elected officials in other parts of the Great Lakes basin affected Lake Michigan, and vice versa, the organization changed its name to the Alliance for the Great Lakes. The Alliance is picking up where the Federation left off, continuing to work on basin-wide policies, working in partnership with other organizations, and mobilizing local efforts on behalf of the Great Lakes. The Federation, meanwhile, remains a project of the Alliance, focusing on issues of particular concern to the largest lake within U.S. borders. The Alliance works to conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource through policy, education and local efforts aimed at preserving the Great Lakes region as a national treasure. It also works with the region's residents, enhancing their understanding of how they can help, too. To that end, we draw on many resources, working with teachers, scientists, economists, legal specialists, government representatives, communities and individuals. And, year-by-year, individual-by-individual, we're getting back a healthy Great Lakes environment, thanks to supporters like you. Our programs focus on - Water Quality: eliminating toxic and bacterial pollution, which cause beach closings
- Water Conservation: promoting sustainable water use to keep the Great Lakes great
- Habitat Recovery: restoring and enhancing habitat, especially in urban areas, and eliminating invasive species
- Land Use: protecting lands that drain into the Great Lakes and their natural features
- Clean Energy: protecting the Great Lakes from harmful effects of energy use
- Education & Outreach: providing education and volunteer opportunities for adults and children to build an appreciation for the Great Lakes
Governed by about 20 volunteers from around the region, the Alliance also coordinates a network of community-based organizations from around the region, which gather annually to craft basin-wide solutions with a local emphasis. Our Mission The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to: "conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife." Contact Us Chicago Office
17 N. State Street
Suite 1390
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-939-0838
Fax: 312-939-2708 Michigan Office
700 Fulton Ave.
Suite A
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Phone: 616-850-0745
Fax: 616-850-0765
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