
where we work
The mission of the Upper Mississippi / Great Lakes Joint Venture (UMGL JV) is to deliver the full spectrum of bird conservation through regionally based, biologically driven, landscape-oriented partnerships. The geographic boundary of the UMGL JV includes all of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, plus portions of Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska and Ohio.
recent
news & events
Joint Venture Job Posting: Eastern Tallgrass Prairie Conservation Delivery Network (CDN) Manager
The Eastern Tallgrass Prairie Conservation Delivery Network (CDN) Manager will coordinate actions and communication across the partnership to expand and accelerate grassland conservation in the Eastern Tallgrass Prairie system and associated landscapes as guided by JV science plans
Evening Grosbeak Tagging in Michigan – 2025
Collaboration, relationships, and partnerships are at the heart of effective conservation. [...]
Please Welcome the New Joint Venture Science Implementation Coordinator
The Upper Mississippi / Great Lakes Joint Venture partnership is excited to announce the hiring of our new [...]

Ryan Brady is a Conservation Biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation. He coordinates citizen-based monitoring programs for owls, nightjars, and secretive marsh birds; serves as Science Coordinator for Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II; and conducts a variety of communication and outreach activities related to birding and bird conservation.
partnerships
across the joint venture
Since 2007, JV partners have restored or enhanced 1,378,500 acres across the region. Also during this time, 167,800 acres of bird habitat were protected.
Learn more about the partnerships across the joint venture that work collectively to achieve habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement.