Media: UW-Green Bay research shows a haven for migratory birds

The Cat Island Chain of barrier islands once provided one of the largest and most diverse wetland ecosystems in the Great Lakes. But years of high water levels in the 1970s, coupled with spring storm surges and ice damage, nearly destroyed the fragile islands. Now, after years of planning, an ambitious vision to restore the barrier island chain is taking shape in Green Bay. UW-Green Bay is at the heart of the restoration and the research. The return of piping plovers to the area, is a species “poster child” for the restoration. Last summer, piping plovers nested on Cat Island — a first in the lower Green Bay in 75 years. Wildlife biologists and students from UW-Green Bay documented four breeding pairs this summer. They also identified four nests and six plover chicks. WPR has the story.