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Our Programs

Our vision is that, by working with you, we can conserve and restore our Great Lakes for generations of people and wildlife. Public policy, education and local efforts are how we’ve been caring for the lakes since 1970. Key programs include:

Clean Water, Healthy Beaches
Our policy experts protect the health of the people, fish and wildlife of the Great Lakes through reducing sewage overflows, controlling pollution from unregulated emerging contaminants, reducing stormwater runoff and curbing pollution from key industrial plants. more> 

Conserving Water
Our professional staff works with scientists, government officials, businesses and everyday citizens to develop strategies for protecting our fresh water supply and eliminating wasteful water use. Chief among these is implementation of the historic Great Lakes Compact and Agreement, a first-of-its kind model that sets a high bar for new users of Great Lakes water. more >

Invasive Species
Invasive species foul beaches, destroy fisheries, clog water plants our economy depends on, and permanently disrupt the Great Lakes food web. Stopping invasives before they enter will save the region billions in damages and control costs, and is the only way to secure the future for a restored Great Lakes. more >

Coastal Conservation
The Great Lakes' coasts support the most valuable diversity of fish, wildlife and plant life in the region. We help states, cities and private landowners plan, fund and execute strategies to protect and restore these priceless freshwater shorelines while stopping destruction of existing habitats. more >

Education
The Alliance is committed to fostering an ethic of learning, appreciation and care for the Great Lakes. Our acclaimed Great Lakes in My World K-8 and 9-12 curriculums integrate the Great Lakes into the classrooms of more than 1,125 educators with activities involving lakes, sand dunes, wetlands, human communities, history and geology -- reaching more than 25,000 students annually. more >

Adopt-a-Beach™
Adopt-a-Beach™ is the Alliance’s premier volunteer program. About 10,000 participants -- individuals and families, schools and businesses – monitor pollution sources and clean Great Lakes coastlines every year. more >

Great Lakes Action Center
We hear it every day: “How can I make a difference?” Visit our Great Lakes Action Center, the only Great Lakes site that gives you direct contact with the decision makers that can make or break the future of the lakes. Learn about the issues that need your help, and enlist your public officials to help protect the Great Lakes! While you're there, join our Action Network to receive our monthly e-newsletter and urgent action alerts. more >

Sustainable Business
The Alliance recognizes that businesses can play pivotal roles in environmental and social sustainability as innovative agents of change. Our Sustainable Business initiative assists businesses in becoming better stewards of the Great Lakes and their environment. more >