
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
Conserving Forest Birds of Management Concern
by Dr. Alexis Grinde (agrinde@d.umn.edu) and Ryan Steiner (stei1265@d.umn.edu) Woodcock, Warbler, and Veery Managed forests across the Great [...]
Open Position: Southern Driftless Grasslands Project Manager (Apply by Jan. 29)
This position will coordinate and implement grassland conservation initiatives in southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, a region that is crucial within the Upper Midwest for the conservation of prairie, oak savanna, idle grass, pasture, trout streams, and associated plant and animal species, including grassland birds, monarchs, and pollinators.
Just completed! – JV Landbird Habitat Conservation Strategy-2020 Revision
A committee of the Joint Venture Science Team recently completed a 2-year effort revising the JV Landbird Habitat Conservation Strategy. This Strategy establishes regional objectives for landbird population and habitat conservation while using current data and new tools for integrating social considerations into bird habitat decisions.

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.