Parks For Science, Science For Parks

From silent headwater streams to the wide expanses of Lakes Michigan and Superior, one can find water of every kind in the nine parks of the Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network. But the national parks protect more than just outstanding waters. The parks are also a place to track wildlife and plant populations, changes in the landscape, and the effects of pollution on the environment. Great Lakes Network scientists use the parks for science and our science is used to help the parks.

We are one of 32 Inventory & Monitoring networks across the country working to provide park managers and visitors with reliable scientific information about important natural resources. Learn more about inventory and monitoring in the national parks.