Lake Michigan Champions of Conservation

Behind the scenes, many individuals, organizations, businesses, tribes, and government leaders are initiating outstanding programs and policies to protect and enhance the lands and waters of the Lake Michigan Basin.

Annually since 2014, the Lake Michigan Champions of Conservation awards have honored outstanding environmental achievements of those who have gone beyond the normal scope of work on the restoration, improvement, or enhancement of Lake Michigan and its watersheds.

2024 NOminations are NOW open!
NOminate your champion by May 1st

Nominations are open to any group, program, organization, business, or individual located and working on the restoration, improvement or enhancement of western Lake Michigan or any of the watersheds that make up the Lake Michigan Basin. The award program recognizes and honors outstanding achievements in multiple categories:

Water Resources Protection: Projects that improve or restore degraded reaches of streams or rivers, lakes, or wetlands in the Lake Michigan basin, or monitoring programs that can lead to improvements. Management actions that protect and improve the Lake Michigan fishery will also be considered.
Environmental Education and Outreach: Projects that advance knowledge and understanding of environmental issues, principles, and stewardship through innovative communication and education methods.
Land Use Protection and Habitat Restoration: Focuses on the efforts of individuals or groups developing projects for the restoration and/or protection of unique or endangered regional ecosystems.
Environmental Justice and Water Equity: Recognizes efforts of individuals or organizations who have done outstanding work that focuses specifically on providing equitable access to water resources or deliberate inclusion in the resolution of environmental problems among communities who may be disproportionately affected by environmental issues, such as BIPOC and/or low-income communities.
Youth: Recognizes a youth or youth group (grades 6 to 12) who demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of natural resource conservation and stewardship and promote environmental awareness.
Policy-maker: Recognizes a policy-maker who has led efforts to protect and enhance the resources of Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes.

Submit Nomination online (Preferred)

Download nomination form