 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Great Lakes Forever
c/o Biodiversity Project
4507 N Ravenswood #106
Chicago, IL 60640
773-496-4020 phone
773-906-1303 fax
project@biodiverse.org |
| |
|
 |
|
 |
 A Living Treasure
The view of the horizon, as you cast your glance across any of the Great Lakes, is breathtaking. Perhaps even more amazing, though, is the incredible diversity of wildlife and plants that call the Great Lakes home. Bass, yellow perch, northern pike and the occasional lake sturgeon ply the open waters. At the water’s edge, perhaps a white-tailed deer, black bear, coyote or mink might stoop for a drink. Spotted sandpipers, common snipes and herons wade the coastal marshes. And this diversity of Great Lakes wildlife is matched by a plethora of plant species, including seaside, arctic bearberry, jack pine and hickory.
The Great Lakes Ecosystem
The health of any one these treasured species depends on the health of its ecosystem. A healthy ecosystem is a functioning and dynamic one. Like a well-tuned machine, all of its parts are in good condition and able to do their jobs. Unlike a machine, however, where a single crank plays a particular role, an ecosystem consists of a diversity of species (known as biodiversity) that together make the system thrive.
In an ecosystem, different plants and animals are more or less susceptible to the effects of a particular disease, climactic change or other environmental stress. While one species may decline or perish because of a stress, others will survive and continue to play what is often a vital role in the ecosystem’s functioning.
Beyond the Shorelines
The Great Lakes ecosystem encompasses the open lakes, but it also includes: the coastal wetlands that serve as “nurseries” for many Great Lakes fish; the rivers and streams that supply the Lakes with water and nutrients; and the vegetated upland areas the provide us with homes and control river flooding and sedimentation.
The health of the lakes is directly connected to the health of these other systems. For example, clearing a forest near a tributary often leads to bank erosion and an increased sediment load in the river or stream. This can be damaging to habitats and the balance of nutrients in the Great Lakes system.
 The Great Lakes drainage basin is the area of land around the Lakes that catches rainwater and drains it to the Great Lakes. The water that flows from this area replenishes the system with new water. Unfortunately, if we're not careful, the water picks up pesticides, excess fertilizers and pet waste from our yards, farms and streets. These contaminants then make their way into our wells, rivers, streams, in-land lakes and, eventually, to the Great Lakes themselves.
Great Lakes In Trouble
Despite our love for the Great Lakes, the ecosystem is far from healthy. Pollution, habitat destruction and the spread of invasive species have led to significant and sometimes permanent lost of habitat and Great Lakes species. This loss of biodiversity weakens the Great Lakes ecosystem, increasing its susceptibility to system-wide collapse.
We can’t wait for this disaster to happen. We all need to take steps now to protect Great Lakes biodiversity and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem.
|
|
