Almost midway between St. Louis and Chicago and within minutes of downtown Peoria is an ecological treasure—Upper Peoria Lake. Located in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, Upper Peoria Lake is a historically significant stopover for ducks migrating along the Illinois River and also home to several duck clubs that share a rich tradition of waterfowl hunting dating back more than a century.

Sadly, declining water quality and habitat loss have taken a toll on waterfowl and other wildlife that depend on this once-productive natural lake. But prospects for revitalizing the lake are now bright thanks to a $460,000 lead grant awarded to DU by the Grand Victoria Foundation. Ducks Unlimited has supplemented their generous gift with $555,000 in matching grants from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. These funds will support an ambitious strategy to protect and restore vital wetlands surrounding Upper Peoria Lake. Key to this effort will be DU's efforts to restore multipurpose wetland habitats that will provide habitat for wildlife, improve water quality, and enhance the quality of life for all who enjoy the Illinois River valley.

DU is already putting its conservation strategy into action. With the approval of the three grantors, DU immediately purchased 237 acres of partially drained wetlands bordering the lake, which will be restored and serve as a rest area for waterfowl. DU is also working with private landowners to convert frequently flooded cropland to natural wetlands protected with permanent conservation easements under the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP). To date, 83 acres have been enrolled in this cooperative venture involving DU, local landowners, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Nearly $2.5 million of federal and private funds have been set aside for future WREP enrollment associated with Upper Peoria Lake.

Grand Victoria Foundation of Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1996 with the mission of assisting local communities in their efforts to pursue solutions to problems in specific areas of education, economic development, and the environment. Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation was established in 1999 to improve energy efficiency, advance the development of renewable energy resources, and protect natural areas for people in communities across Illinois. The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, located in New York, has a charitable mission of improving the quality of people's lives by preserving natural environments, seeking cures of diseases, and nurturing the arts.

The Upper Peoria Lake Wetland Protection and Restoration Project is part of a comprehensive land protection program developed by DU over the past decade to address wetland conservation needs associated with critical waterfowl migration corridors along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. DU's goal is to restore and protect up to 1,000 acres of wetland habitat at strategic sites located in and around Upper Peoria Lake. These important grants from Grand Victoria Foundation, the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation will enable DU to launch its next major habitat initiative in the Illinois River valley.