Midwest

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As the nation’s heartland and the world’s breadbasket, the American Midwest is known for its panoply of farmland, industrial sites, and sprawling wetland complexes that annually lure millions of migratory waterfowl. From the establishment of the Great Lakes Revolving Fund, which provides capital for conservation, to an initiative to protect sensitive lands along Lake Michigan, the Fund is working to preserve the Midwest's land and water legacy for future generations. Since 1985, the Fund has protected more than 280,000 acres throughout the Midwest.

Illinois

Together with its partners, the Fund has safeguarded more than 48,000 acres across Illinois. By leveraging public and private support, the Fund pioneered new approaches to conservation and development, led restoration efforts at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and spearheaded the protection of fragile wetlands and waterways along the Fox River. Read more>

Indiana

Thanks the Fund and its partners, more than 1,500 acres of Indiana's vital landscapes are now protected - preserving wildlife habitat, safeguarding water quality and enhancing recreation opportunities for all Americans. Read more>

Iowa

The Conservation Fund and its partners have protected nearly 5,500 acres valued at over $1.3 million dollars in Iowa. A top priority for the Fund is working with partners to conserve wildlife habitat, water quality and recreation areas along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Read more>

Michigan

In Michigan the Fund has worked closely with local farmers, communities and other partners to protect more than 29,000 acres of the state’s working landscapes, wildlife habitat and river corridors – from the shores of Lake Superior to rural communities and city green spaces. Read more>

Minnesota

Thanks to the work of the Fund and its partners in Minnesota, more than 60,000 acres of forestland and open space across the state – including working forests and significant lands along the Mississippi River - will continue to provide important wildlife habitat, migration corridors, water quality, jobs and a wide variety of recreation opportunities. Read more>

Mississippi River Revolving Fund

Since 1994, the Fund and its partners have protected more than 14,400 acres of important wildlife habitat and recreation lands along the great river valued at over $19.6 million. Read more>

Missouri

In Missouri the Fund has helped local nonprofits to protect more than 13,000 acres, including the historic Confluence Greenway, which extends from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the Mississippi River’s junction with the Missouri and Illinois rivers. Read more>

Nebraska

With support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and local conservation partners, The Fund has safeguarded 1,800 acres across Nebraska, protecting the fertile soils and heritage areas that define America’s heartland. Read more>

North Dakota

Thanks to the Fund’s dynamic partnerships, more than 3,300 acres across North Dakota - including lands significant to the historic journey of Lewis and Clark - are now permanently protected, shielding the state’s natural resources and preserving its unique cultural heritage. Read more>

Ohio

Since 1985, the Fund and its partners have protected nearly 100,000 acres in Ohio, including sensitive wildlife habitat on Lake Erie’s North Bass Island and popular recreation lands near Cleveland. Read more>

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma the Fund joins forces with a diverse group of partners – from private, state and federal groups to communities and local tribes – to protect fragile wetlands and cultural hotspots. Thus far the Fund and its partners have preserved more than 6,000 acres here. Read more>

Wisconsin

By pioneering innovative approaches to land protection, the Fund and its partners have helped to safeguard more than 14,000 acres of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable wildlife habitat, working landscapes and recreation areas. Read more>