Bill Van Orsdel (right) receives a Sponsor in Perpetuity plaque from DU Regional Biologist Eric Lindstrom in honor of his wife, Wicker’s, and his continued support of DUDes Moines, Iowa, January 27, 2009 – For the past 28 years Bill and Wicker Van Orsdel of Des Moines, Iowa, have been devoted members and long-time supporters of Ducks Unlimited. The Van Orsdels recently completed their Sponsor in Perpetuity pledge in support of DU’s habitat conservation mission. Bill is also a life member and supporter of Ducks Unlimited Canada.
“Wicker and I are pleased to support DU’s habitat conservation efforts in Iowa and throughout the highest conservation priority areas in North America,” Bill said. “We are very passionate about giving something back to the resource that has meant so much to us.”
Bill is the owner of Wavo Properties and co-founder of Kirke-Van Ordsel, Inc. in Des Moines. Bill and his business associate were recently inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame for their visionary business ventures. When his busy business schedule permits, Bill enjoys traveling and hunting waterfowl throughout North, Central and South America, as well as parts of Europe.
“In addition to his philanthropic support, Bill is also very active in key state and federal public policy issues that impact the future of wetlands and waterfowl conservation,” said Eric Lindstrom, DU regional biologist for Iowa. “Bill and Wicker are passionate conservationists, and we are very grateful for their continued support.”
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands - nature’s most productive ecosystem - and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.