Shiawasee National Wildlife Refuge, MI

The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, located near Frankenmuth, a historic town of Bavarian heritage, serves as the gateway to the Great Lakes. In partnership with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fund acquired 113 acres to establish a Great Lakes Visitors Center, trail complex and wildlife observation stations.

Once complete, the new Center will provide interactive exhibits and present a broader view of the Great Lakes Basin. Holding 18% of the world's supply of fresh water, the Great Lakes cover 95,000 square miles with a drainage basin that spans 288,000 square miles. Over 35 million people live in this drainage basin and depend upon its natural resources. Acquisition of this property will provide the ideal site for this ambitious Visitors Center.