BENTON, Ark. September 21, 2011 – Ducks Unlimited events in northwest Arkansas provide substantial support for wetlands conservation. An August sponsor event in Rogers yielded 12 new Life Sponsor and major donor upgrade commitments, and the upcoming Benton County banquet promises to deliver fun and fundraising success.

About 90 people attended the second annual Northwest Arkansas Evening for the Ducks in August. DU CEO Dale Hall reported on DU's great habitat successes to date within the state and across the continent and addressed the challenges to conservation that lie ahead. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Chairman and DU First Vice President George Dunklin, newly appointed AGFC Commissioner Steve Cook, and Past DU President Gene Henry also attended to show their support for the world leader in wetlands conservation.

Though many people think of southeastern Arkansas when they think of waterfowl, there's a long history of strong waterfowling traditions and tremendous support for DU's mission in northwest Arkansas. The Benton County banquet, one of the largest banquets in Arkansas, has been a significant contributor to this support for 30 years. Since 1990, the Benton County DU Chapter has raised $1.27 million to support DU's conservation efforts in Arkansas and across the continent.

"Benton County DU currently holds the number one ranking for DU chapters in Arkansas," Tye Anderson, regional director, said. "This chapter is also recognized at the national level, making the DU Top 100 Chapter list every year since 2004."

Come join the fun at one of the largest DU banquets in Arkansas on October 3 at the Quail Barn in Bentonville. The banquet will feature great food, plenty of prizes and unique auction items, including exotic trips and special DU limited edition highlights. Contact Blayne Estes 479-721-3394 or Craig Wall 479-225-2131 for tickets and other information.

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

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