Purpose: To restore 42 acres of freshwater wetlands habitat on Altamaha WMA through installation of several water control structures and rehabilitation of dikes. This project is currently managed under a 2-year rotational system of agricultural plantings followed by summer drawdowns for moist-soil plant production. The Ansley-Hodges MARSH project was originally constructed in 1990 in memory of two long-time supporters of Ducks Unlimited on the Georgia coast. The 42-acre impoundment serves as a refuge for migratory waterfowl and other wetland associated birds. An observation tower overlooks the impoundment providing an opportunity to view migratory birds and demonstrate wetlands management. This project will retain water in fall and winter, thus providing valuable foraging habitat to migrating and wintering waterfowl near the Altamaha River and will be managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Location: Approx. 2 miles south of Darien, GA (McIntosh County)

Acres Impacted: 42 acres

Habitat Type: Moist-soil Wetlands
Flooded Agricultural Crops

Partners: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Ducks Unlimited, Inc

Timeline: Construction was completed in fall 1990
Repairs were completed fall 1998

DU Contact: Craig LeSchack
Director of Conservation Programs - Georgia
3896 Leeds Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-9110
cleschack@ducks.org