Working across boundaries to conserve our shared nature

Western Meadowlark singing, Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. Photo credit: Ed Boggess

image of a dam extending into the water

Who We Are

The Midwest Landscape Initiative is a collaboration of fish & wildlife organizations that identifies shared conservation priorities to develop solutions for healthy, functioning ecosystems in the Midwest.
image of a dam extending into the water

Midwest Conservation Blueprint

A basemap of priority lands and waters for conservation in the region.
image of a dam extending into the water

Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need

This project identified species of high regional concern and collaborative opportunity.

Where We Work

We identify shared conservation priorities and develop solutions for healthy, functioning ecosystems in the Midwest. The MLI is working across boundaries to conserve our shared nature through coordinated planning, actionable science, and collaborative conservation.

Current Work

The Midwest Landscape Initiative is engaging across the Midwest on a number of issues:

  • Rolling out and supporting use of the Midwest Conservation Blueprint
  • Using the RSGCN database to coordinate conservation planning for species on the National Listing Workplan
  • Developing dashboard tools and other resources for cross-boundary coordination around State Wildlife Action Plans
  • Continuing to facilitate regional coordination for grant funding opportunities

Learn more on the Our Work page, and explore our data products in detail on the Midwest Conservation Action Portal.

Close-up, abstract view of architecture.Northern Riffleshell Mussel. Photo Credit: Indiana DNR

MLI News

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Introducing the Midwest Grassland Coordinator – Kelly VanBeek

Introducing the Midwest Grassland Coordinator – Kelly VanBeek

Kelly VanBeek will serve as the first U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Midwest Grassland and Native Seed Strategy Coordinator starting October 6th.  In this role, Kelly will support collaborative grassland conservation and management actions across multiple sectors, including habitat, agriculture, and ecosystem services, and will provide coordination around native seed development, distribution, and use across […]

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