An effort is being launched to protect sites across Michigan that are recognized for their importance to bird conservation.
The National Audubon Society, the Michigan Audubon Society, the Detroit Audubon Society the Kalamazoo Nature Center and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announce details Saturday of plans to protect "Important Bird Areas."
Officials say the areas provide critical habitat for breeding, wintering and migrating birds.
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is hosting the announcement. The refuge of more than 5,700 acres encompasses islands, wetlands and other protected habitats along the Detroit River and Lake Erie.