Great Lakes Protection Fund

Stay connected to the latest Great Lakes innovations! Our quarterly newsletter brings you groundbreaking projects, smart solutions, and collaborative efforts protecting our waters. Don’t miss out on the stories shaping the future of the Great Lakes—subscribe today. https://lnkd.in/gkJ8ghDf

Healthy Port Futures is pushing the boundaries of coastal management in the Great Lakes region by working with waves instead of against them. The team’s landscape design utilizes natural hydrologic processes to redistribute sediment and wave energy to preserve shorelines, increase resiliency, improve ecosystems, and make fewer dollars go farther. Read our new blog to learn about two pilot sites in New York and Illinois that have redefined sediment management. The team’s outside-the-box thinking will make it easier for other Great Lakes coastal communities to preserve coastlines more efficiently and effectively. https://lnkd.in/gPXjCSc2

Healthy waters and thriving working lands go hand in hand. We’re looking for bold ideas that use market-driven solutions to reduce pollution, restore waterways, and build economic benefits across the food and fiber value chain. Have an idea that could drive real change? Let’s start a conversation! https://lnkd.in/eB_aWxbg

How can AI help tackle Great Lakes challenges? On March 4th, GLPF’s Executive Director Dave Rankin will moderate the Great Lakes Commission’s discussion on Artificial Intelligence Applications for the Great Lakes Region. Panelists will discuss how AI unlocks powerful benefits in areas such as optimizing marine shipping, enhancing benthic mapping, advancing stormwater management, and growing opportunities for research collaboration. https://lnkd.in/eyai9XC

It's National Invasive Species Awareness Week! We’d like to highlight a team led by Penn State developing early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS) using eDNA methods that are both economical and practical. Rapid, affordable tools help resource managers detect threats early to ensure biodiversity and resiliency in the Great Lakes. Learn more about this project in our portfolio. https://lnkd.in/d-bcQZM8

New Investment! GLPF awarded $1.3M to Hyfi , LLC to co-develop an AI-powered Digital Operator Toolbox with stormwater teams across the Great Lakes region. By shifting stormwater management from reactive to proactive, this project will reduce runoff, prevent overflows, and empower operators with real-time, predictive tools. https://lnkd.in/g7MxNy2M

Bigger storms, new pollutants, and aging water systems demand bold solutions. We’re seeking teams ready to reimagine urban water management—leveraging technology, smarter governance, and innovative financing. Let’s collaborate to protect the Great Lakes. Have an idea? Let’s start a conversation. https://lnkd.in/eB_aWxbg

Agroforestry boosts farm resilience and protects the environment. The Savanna Institute is helping farmers access direct payments to install alley cropping, silvopasture, and windbreaks through the Expanding Agroforestry Program. Applications open through March 14th—learn more and apply today! https://lnkd.in/gJj5VDE4

Innovative solutions drive real change. That’s why we funded Moonshot Missions’ latest project to help communities tackle phosphorus pollution. By providing practical, cost-effective strategies, this work empowers local utilities to protect water quality and build a more sustainable future. https://lnkd.in/gP-cFjFk

We’re investing nearly $1.5M in two bold initiatives to protect the Great Lakes. Hyfi, LLC is empowering water managers with AI-driven digital tools to reduce runoff and overflows. The Dairy Grazing Alliance is exploring a new standard for managed grazing to improve water quality. Innovation and collaboration drive lasting impact! https://lnkd.in/gcGWXeMW