The Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, has invested in Great Lakes restoration for nearly two decades. In 2021, Audubon Great Lakes began evaluating SOGL effectiveness by monitoring migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and breeding marsh birds at restoration sites. Using a Before-After-Control-Impact framework, we analyzed data from 2021–2025 to compare restored and control sites. While statistically significant restoration-specific gains were not detected, consistent positive trends across bird groups suggest emerging benefits. Shorebirds responded positively at sites with improved hydrology and topography, and waterfowl use increased within restored landscapes in line with regional patterns. Marsh bird communities, measured with the Bird-Friendliness Index, showed modest but encouraging improvements in condition. Overall, restored wetlands appear to be functioning as increasingly suitable habitat, though outcomes remain influenced by environmental variability and ecological lag times. These findings indicate SOGL investments are improving wetland condition and bird habitat, with stronger and more detectable benefits likely as sites mature and long-term monitoring continues.
