John Hartig

Dr. John Hartig is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor's Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and serves on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Previously, he was Refuge Manager for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (2004-2018) and a Fulbright Scholar at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. His research focuses on ecological restoration and transboundary conservation in the Great Lakes.

Education includes:

• Ph.D. in Limnology, University of Windsor
• M.S. in Aquatic Biology, Eastern Michigan University
• B.S. in Biology, Eastern Michigan University

His work centers on evaluating remedial action plans for Great Lakes pollution hotspots and analyzing ecosystem health indicators in the Detroit River-Western Lake Erie corridor. Hartig advocates for science-policy integration and urban conservation initiatives.

Scientific Awards:

• Michigan Out-of-Doors Legend of Conservation (2024)
• Global Tomorrow Coalition's Sustainable Development Award (1993)
• American Heritage Rivers Award (2002)
• International Joint Commission Leadership Award (1999)