[1] The WPBO was established in 1978 as a non-profit organization supported by membership fees, donations and gifts, voluntary service, and grants from private and government institutions.

In 1998, Michigan Audubon received a federal land patent for 2.69 acres (0.0109 km2; 0.00420 sq mi) of the old light station property, which is now managed by the WPBO for research and educational activities.

[1][2] Whitefish Point's land and water features create a natural corridor that funnels thousands of birds during spring and fall migrations, providing unique opportunities for research, education, and conservation programs.

[3] Thousands of birds use Whitefish Point as critical stopover habitat to replenish energy reserves before venturing across Lake Superior during spring and fall migrations.

[7] Professional staff document the migration of hawks, falcons and eagles that provides comparative data for long-term monitoring of raptor populations.

"[11] Whitefish Point is an important spot for documenting and monitoring waterbird movements in the upper Great Lakes.

The Audubon Society reports, "Between 18,000 and 21,000 red-necked grebes pass by the point each fall, representing approximately 25–40% of the estimated North American Population.

[9] For the first time in twenty three years, piping plovers nested at Whitefish Point and successfully fledged offspring in 2009.

[4] In 2010, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awarded a $150,000 grant to Lake Superior State University to intensely monitor nesting piping plovers at Vermilion, Whitefish Point, and other shoreline areas in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

[13] The USFWS designated the shoreline from Whitefish Point to Grand Marais, Michigan as critical habitat for the piping plover.