AUDUBON GREAT LAKES (AGL) IS PROUD TO CO-HOST THE FOURTH BIENNIAL GREAT LAKES COASTAL SYMPOSIUM (GLCS) IN 2026, A PIVOTAL GATHERING FOR NATURAL RESOURCE PRACTITIONERS, RESEARCHERS, MANAGERS, STAKEHOLDERS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS DEDICATED TO THE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF GREAT LAKES COASTAL SYSTEMS. THE SYMPOSIUM WILL FEATURE A HANDS-ON RESTORATION STEWARDSHIP EVENT IN SANDUSKY BAY, OFFERING PARTICIPANTS AN IMMERSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN HIGH-IMPACT HABITAT RESTORATION THAT SUPPORTS ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE, ECONOMIC BENEFIT, ANDCOASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION.BY SITUATING THE EVENT IN THE DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE OF SANDUSKY BAYWHERE AGL AND PARTNERS ARE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN RESTORATION AND MONITORING EFFORTSTHE GLCS WILL GROUND DISCUSSIONS IN REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS. THE SYMPOSIUM AIMS TO MOVE BEYOND DIALOGUE BY EMPOWERING ATTENDEES TO TAKE DIRECT ACTION IN SUPPORT OF COASTAL HEALTH.SUPPORT FROM THE COASTAL PROGRAM WILL ENABLE AGL TO MANAGE PROJECT LOGISTICS, COORDINATE WITH PARTNERS, AND LEAD COMMUNICATIONS EFFORTS. KEY OBJECTIVES INCLUDE HIRING AN EVENT PLANNER, COLLABORATING WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, ENHANCING AGLS PLANNING CAPACITY, MAINTAINING AN EVENT WEBSITE, AND HOSTING OVER 150 PARTICIPANTS. SCHEDULED FOR FALL 2026, THE THREE-DAY SYMPOSIUM WILL CATALYZE REGIONAL CONSERVATION PRIORITIES AND FOSTER LASTING COLLABORATION ACROSS THE GREAT LAKES COMMUNITY.