The Gustaf Westfeldt McIlhenny Family Foundation recently awarded Ducks Unlimited a $100,000 grant for Louisiana coastal conservation. "As stewards of the wetlands surrounding Avery Island our family has managed this habitat for all species and in a manner consistent with Ducks Unlimited's mission," said Paul McIlhenny, president and CEO of the McIlhenny Company.

DU is seeking to leverage this gift with funding from other public and private sources to complete a wetland restoration project adjacent to Freshwater Bayou in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. The proposed work will help restore the integrity of a major complex of fresh and intermediate marshes. This area provides important habitat for large numbers of wintering waterfowl, especially gadwalls, green-winged teal and blue-winged teal. Additionally, the project area provides key nesting habitat for resident mottled ducks.

This partnership with DU reflects the Gustaf Westfeldt McIlhenny Family Foundation's commitment to protecting biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and water resources along the Gulf Coast. Ducks Unlimited's goal is to perpetually secure habitat and the future of Louisiana as a key wintering area for migratory waterfowl in North America. Thanks to the support of the Gustaf Westfeldt McIlhenny Family Foundation, DU can expand its important work along the Louisiana coast.