Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary to Begin Restoration in 2028

The 564-acre project aims to restore native habitats and resolve EPA-identified ecological impairments by 2031.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Environmental

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a concrete culvert pipe in wetlands, symbolizing environmental restoration. — The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary will begin a 564-acre restoration project in 2028 to replace invasive species and repair hydrological systems. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary plans to begin a 564-acre habitat restoration project in early 2028. This announced research-stage effort is one of 12 projects aimed at addressing EPA-designated beneficial use impairments in Green Bay.

Why it matters

This restoration seeks to replace native communities displaced by invasive species within a critical Area of Concern. The project is currently 60% designed and aims to address long-standing ecological impairments identified by the EPA.

The restoration covers 564 acres, a site that has operated as a wildlife sanctuary for 90 years. Project design is currently 60% complete, focusing on structural culvert improvements and the removal of invasive plant species.

The players

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

A 564-acre nature preserve in Green Bay that has functioned as an urban ecological site for 90 years.

Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency that classifies Green Bay as an Area of Concern due to verified beneficial use impairments.

The details

The restoration strategy utilizes a multi-pronged approach to ecological recovery including the physical removal of non-native plant species and the repair of culverts—structures that allow water to flow under roadways or embankments to restore natural hydrological connectivity. Restoration will also involve the active planting of native trees, shrubs, and seeds to rebuild lost biodiversity. Local community volunteers will assist with planting efforts once construction begins.

A full cost estimate for the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Construction at the sanctuary is slated to begin in early 2028.
The project is expected to take three years to reach completion by 2031.

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The project operates within the framework of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which mandates aggressive remediation for regions with significant water quality issues. It represents one of 12 specific remediation efforts currently active in the Green Bay area to resolve systemic ecological impairments.

The sanctuary will integrate community volunteer days into the restoration process to assist with native planting and seeding. While construction is not scheduled until 2028, the initiative will eventually change access and trail layouts within the 564-acre park during the three-year construction phase.

The takeaway

This restoration marks a significant effort to rehabilitate a 90-year-old urban sanctuary through intensive invasive species management and hydrological repairs. Residents should monitor the city’s release of the project’s final cost estimate, which is slated to arrive by the end of 2026.