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Thursday, Jan. 29, marks the 89th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited (DU), the world's most extensive wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization.

In 1937, during the height of the Great Depression and one of the worst droughts in history, a small group of waterfowlers, visionaries and community leaders set out to save North America's waterfowl populations and hunting heritage. Their foresight led to the founding of Ducks Unlimited and an unending mission to conserve the wetlands and other habitats that sustain abundant populations of waterfowl and other wildlife for future generations.

DU’s proud hunting heritage continues to this day, as most members are waterfowlers. Through the support of these dedicated sportsmen and women and the tireless efforts of volunteers, partners and supporters, DU has protected or restored more than 19 million acres of habitat across North America in the areas most important to ducks and geese.

“In Fiscal Year 2025, Team DU delivered more than 1.2 million acres of conservation, marking the second consecutive fiscal year we have delivered more than 1 million acres of improving habitat in marshes, grasslands and coastal areas crucial to the waterfowl we love,” said Ducks Unlimited President Bob Spoerl. “Another million acres means cleaner water, reduced flooding risks for people, more public land access for hunters, and improved biodiversity for all animals that rely on wetlands. This achievement isn’t possible without the tremendous support from our partners and supporters across the continent.”

DU is the world's largest and most effective nonprofit organization dedicated to waterfowl and wetlands conservation. DU partners with private individuals, agricultural landowners, agencies, scientific experts, local communities and other entities to deliver on-the-ground habitat improvements that tangibly impact the landscape.

"Since 1937, DU has leaned on science to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl, wildlife and communities,” said DU Chief Conservation Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop. “For 89 years and counting, our supporters have played a vital role in conserving and protecting North America's waterfowl populations and their wetland habitats for future generations. DU's $3 billion comprehensive campaign, Conservation for a Continent, the largest continental wetlands campaign ever launched, is the latest and most ambitious effort to make that vision of abundant waterfowl a reality.”

Wetlands refill and purify groundwater, mitigate floods and reduce soil erosion. They are also North America's most productive ecosystems, providing critical habitat to more than 900 wildlife species and invaluable recreation opportunities for people to enjoy. DU projects have protected communities, agriculture, local economies, homes and even lives from the destructive impacts of flooding, erosion and severe weather. Local communities throughout North America utilize DU-conserved wetlands for recreation, hunting, education and an improved quality of life.

“This year is a pivotal moment in DU’s history,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “As we embark upon our 90th year of conserving North America’s imperiled waterfowl habitat, we’re also reaching the home stretch on the largest, most ambitious capital campaign in conservation history, Conservation for a Continent. After 89 years, DU isn’t just getting by, we’re raising the bar for wetlands conservation in North America. That’s a direct testament to the passion and generosity of our members, volunteers and supporters, and we’re excited to run through the tape.”

About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent capital campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

 

Media Contact:

Gregg Powers
(901) 758-3774
gpowers@ducks.org