In 2001, Ducks Unlimited (DU) began working with biologists from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) on Muddy Neck Pond at Assawoman Wildlife Management Area in West Bethany.

The biggest issue facing the biologists was how to restore the pond—an old impoundment—into highly productive habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. With a little research, DU came up with an innovative proposal rarely attempted north of South Carolina—an impoundment managed solely to produce widgeongrass. Widgeongrass (Ruppia maritima) is a type of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) that requires brackish water and periodic flooding, flushing and drying throughout the year. The plant is a favorite winter food item of gadwall; black ducks; blue- and green-winged teal; and, of course, American wigeon. Widgeongrass impoundments are fairly common in the Carolinas, but not on the Delmarva Peninsula.

In late 2005, the Delaware DFW procured the necessary wetland permits, and the project was completed early in the summer of 2006. Although the widgeongrass is still taking hold in the impoundment, numerous small flocks of teal were using the impoundment in the fall of 2006, gradually giving way to flocks of diving ducks wintering in the area. This great project spells success for waterfowl and for SAV as well!