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Linton, IN (May 6, 2026) – At the height of spring migration, when millions of birds are returning to the Midwest, Governor Mike Braun joined ̽����ѡ Great Lakes, Sassafras ̽����ѡ Society, Amos Butler ̽����ѡ Society and Indiana Department of Natural Resources at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Linton on Monday, May 4 to celebrate the return of birds back to Indiana and the importance of protecting the places they depend on. 

The visit comes just days before World Migratory Bird Day on May 9, a global celebration of birds and a reminder of the growing threats they face along their journeys.  

“As a landlord to a colony of Purple Martins that largely depend on human-provided housing, I appreciate the opportunity to go bird watching alongside ̽����ѡ Great Lakes,” said Gov. Braun. “I will continue my commitment to conserving Indiana’s natural heritage to benefit both wildlife and Hoosiers who enjoy our great outdoors.”  

“Birds are in decline, and migration is one of the most dangerous times of their lifecycles,” said Michelle Parker, Vice President & Executive Director of ̽����ѡ Great Lakes. “To reverse this decline, or 'bend the bird curve,' we must protect and restore the habitats birds depend on. Places like Goose Pond show us what’s possible when habitats are restored. We’re grateful to Governor Braun for joining us to experience the wonders of spring migration and this critical work.”  

A 2025 State of the Birds Report, published by a coalition of science and conservation groups, found that birds across most habitats have suffered major losses since 1970, underscoring the urgency of conservation action.  

During the outing, ̽����ѡ representatives shared the threats facing birds and the importance of conservation projects like Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, one of the largest and most successful wetland restoration projects in the United States. For more than 20 years, the site's 5,000 acres of restored wetlands and 1,300 acres of reconstructed tallgrass prairies have provided critical habitat to birds.  

Designated as an ̽����ѡ Important Bird Area (IBA), Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area now provides habitat for more than 300 bird species, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers and critical stopover for migratory birds. 

In Indiana, ̽����ѡ Great Lakes monitors vulnerable marsh birds at 29 sites understand how they’re responding to restoration efforts, which gives us the information we need to know to protect them in the future.  In Northwest Indiana, we’re working alongside the community to directly restore 420 acres of high-priority wetlands, including along the West Branch of the Little Calumet River in Gary. Over the next decade, ̽����ѡ aims to positively impact 5,750 acres across Northwest Indiana with partners and community.  

Much of this work is supported by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a conservation program that has supported more than 8,000 projects that have improved water quality, restored wetlands, strengthened coastal resilience and protected bird and wildlife habitat. Through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, ̽����ѡ has worked with partners to restore and conserve more than 10,000 acres of wetland habitat—supporting vulnerable marsh birds, clean drinking water, and flood protection for communities across the region.  

“We thank Governor Braun for supporting the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative during his time in the US Senate,” said Parker.