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Ducks Unlimited (DU) is proud to announce it has been awarded grant funding to launch the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) Parker Unit Fields 2 and 7 Upland Enhancement Project, a project that will restore approximately 49 acres of upland nesting habitat for declining waterfowl and upland bird species in high-priority area of California’s Sacramento Valley. DU received nearly $237,000 from the Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program for this enhancement. 

The project comes at a critical time. Cinnamon teal, mallards, and ring-necked pheasants are all experiencing significant population declines in the Sacramento Valley . One of the primary drivers of this trend is the loss of quality upland nesting habitat due to agricultural intensification, urbanization, and shifts in land use across the state.

Located within and adjacent to the Yolo Bypass, Fields 2 and 7 provide an important opportunity to promote local waterfowl and pheasant species. By enhancing these fields with native grasses and pollinator species, the project will create vital nesting and brood-rearing areas near permanent ponds and seasonal wetlands. 

The project will include:
•    Mowing and spraying to remove invasive species like mustard, yellow star thistle, poison hemlock and pepper weed.
•    Planting a mix of native grasses and pollinator-friendly species
•    Installing a sprinkler irrigation system in Field 2 to support successful germination during spring planting

Field 2 (39 acres) will be planted in spring and irrigated due to its location within the flood-prone bypass, while Field 7 (10 acres), located outside the bypass, will be planted in the fall under traditional dryland methods.

This habitat enhancement not only supports nesting for cinnamon teal, gadwall, mallards, and pheasants, it also improves conditions for public recreation by supporting stronger local bird populations in and around the hunt areas of the YBWA.

“This project represents a smart and timely investment in habitat that benefits birds, biodiversity, and the public,” said DU Biologist James Allen, “and we’re excited to work with our partners at YBWA to bring it to life.”

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:
Molly Jarone
(916) 903-9199
mjarone@ducks.org