MEMPHIS, Tenn. - July 22, 2021 - Ducks Unlimited (DU) recently released the latest film in its online series, DU Films.

In this film, the fifth of season 7, DU Films heads north to the fertile Prairie Pothole Region of South Dakota, a priority area for DU&squo;s wetlands conservation efforts and vital to a healthy and stable waterfowl population.

The generosity of Ducks Unlimited donors makes wetlands conservation work possible across North America. For many years, John and Cheryl Dale have championed the DU mission with tremendous support. John Dale explains why he and his family feel DU is a worthy cause.

"I like DU because it&squo;s science driven,&dquo; John Dale said. "Even now, there is a lot more we don&squo;t know than know. If you don&squo;t have the science behind it, you are going to spin your wheels and probably do more harm than good. They (DU) are a good organization. They work with duck hunters and they are not afraid to stand up for hunting. I&squo;ve been a big supporter for a long time. I gave them what I could when I was a kid, now I can give them more and am glad I can.&dquo;

Most of the land is privately held in South Dakota and working with landowners is a key component to successful wetlands management and restoration.

"We have all of these wetlands and grasslands in an agricultural region. That can cause concern for people trying to make a living from these same lands,&dquo; said Bruce Toay, DU South Dakota manager of conservation programs. "We work with producers to find common ground so we can farm and ranch in these areas in ways that will keep wetlands intact as well.&dquo;

Much of the Prairie Pothole Region is currently experiencing a normal drought cycle. Drying of potholes allows regeneration of moist soil grasses and renews the habitat&squo;s waterfowl value. DU is always working to restore and improve prairie pothole landscapes regardless of water conditions.

New films will follow each month during the spring and summer. Every film from previous seasons is available for viewing now at www.ducks.org/dufilms.

Watch the new film at www.ducks.org/dufilms and be sure to follow DU&squo;s news Twitter feed-@DUNews1937-to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.

Media Contact:

John Gordon

901-758-3753

jgordon@ducks.org