Building on more than 20 years of partnership in North America, Ducks Unlimited and Cargill are currently focused on restoring watersheds across Colorado and Kansas. To strengthen this partnership, Cargill recently awarded DU a grant of $400,000. Over the next two years, DU will use these funds to conserve habitat and improve water quality and quantity on projects across these two states.

DUs partnership with Cargill in Kansas will restore at least 6,000 acres of playa wetlands and associated uplands that will benefit wildlife, landowners, and groundwater recharge for the Ogallala Aquifer. In Colorado, the partnership will restore crucial habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife at Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife Areaa premier public recreation areawhile enhancing Platte River recharge. Both the Ogallala Aquifer and the Platte River are major water resources for wildlife, agriculture, and people on these important landscapes.

Were grateful for our long-standing relationship with Cargill, says Eric Lindstrom, DUs managing director of development in the Great Plains Region. These conservation investments will pay huge dividends in water sustainability, improved wildlife habitat, and benefits to rural communities.

Cargill nourishes the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Their position in the global food system provides the opportunity and the responsibility to create lasting change. Reliable access to water is essential for people and agriculture, and with partners like DU, we are working toward our global goal of restoring 600 billion liters of water in priority watersheds, says Cargill Director of Global Water Sustainability Truke Smoor. By focusing on priority watersheds, we can conserve groundwater aquifers and improve water availability for local communities.