Advocates of wildlife 
Our mission: TO RESTORE AND CONSERVE FISH, WILDLIFE, and HABITAT THROUGHOUT THE STATE of MICHIGAN .... and TEACH OTHERS TO DO THE SAME. 



WHAT SETS US APART
​​We are not alone in believing that the disappearance of habitat is a critical problem. We address this problem in Michigan with a unique approach.

We don't lobby for more government regulation. With the exception of the Bengel Wildlife Center, we don't seek to own or manage lands. We simply provide the technical and financial assistance that landowners and managers need to restore and maintain wildlife habitat.

​TANGIBLE RESULTS, COST EFFECTIVE METHODS
Since its founding in 1982, the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy has helped restore:
  • Wetlands -- more than 6,700 acres
  • Prairies & grasslands -- over 2,400 acres
  • Fish habitat -- more than 1,000 stream improvement structures installed
  • Schools & Nature Centers -- assisted 105 in creating wetland, prairie & stream outdoor learning labs
Why "helped" restore? Because we don't take full credit for the restorations we've accomplished. We always work in cooperation with others. We work with landowners, volunteers, businesses, government and funding sources to keep costs down. By cooperating with and involving others, we leverage additional funding and volunteer help to accomplish our goals. In the process, we help many people become part of the process of helping wildlife.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT
We strive to maximize the return on investment. We choose projects that result in quick, cost-effective, and lasting improvements for wildlife. The number of bald eagles, pine martens, or other wildlife supported is the bottom line for us.

The average cost of wetland restoration by the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy is about $250 per acre. The Conservancy spent $1,000 to restore 50 acres of wetland in Allegan County at the low cost of only $20 per acre. Ten miles away, a project we were not involved in spent $26,000 to make only 4.3 acres of marsh. Some developers and government agencies spend up to $100,000 per acre to create wetlands to replace those drained in the course of their work.

Funds invested with the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy result in tangible, cost-effective habitat projects with real benefits to wildlife.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Support the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy's effort to restore precious wildlife habitat.

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible gift.

MORE ABOUT US: 
©2026 by Michigan Wildlife Conservancy; Bengel Wildlife Center. All rights reserved.