Ducks Unlimited has been awarded a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant to conserve key wetland habitat in western Michigan. Through this grant, DU and partners will protect a minimum of 1,687 acres of wetlands and associated grasslands in 12 counties. In addition, approximately 300 acres of wetlands and 100 acres of grasslands will be restored through this project. 

"NAWCA grants are a crucial funding source for conservation partnerships such as this one," said DU regional biologist Michael Sertle. "As a result of this funding opportunity, we will be able to cooperatively protect and restore some of the region's most productive habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds."

Ducks Unlimited partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, the Muskegon Conservation District, Ottawa County Parks, the City of Whitehall, the Occidental Chemical Corporation, the Conservation Resource Alliance, and several private partners to receive NAWCA funds. Approximately $2.475 million in partner funds and $1 million in NAWCA grant funds will support this important conservation work.