Memphis Nonprofit Achieves 1M Acres of Wetlands Conservation Throughout North America in FY24
In a major milestone, the Memphis-based nonprofit conservation organization, Ducks Unlimited (DU) announced that it has conservatively managed to conserve over one million acres of wetlands across North America in the fiscal year 2024. This breakthrough is the first instance in the organization’s long history of 87 years.
About Ducks Unlimited
Established back in 1937 as a response to the Dust Bowl droughts of the 1930s that drastically slashed wetlands as well as waterfowl populations, DU has been operating from its Memphis headquarters since 1992. DU has extensions, Ducks Unlimited Canada launched in 1938, and Ducks Unlimited de México launched in Mexico during the early 1970s.
Significance of Wetlands Conservation
Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU’s Chief Conservation Officer, emphasizes the critical role of wetlands. Wetlands offer numerous services to our societies, including flood storage, fish habitat enhancement, carbon sequestration, and groundwater recharge. She acknowledged that achieving this milestone during FY24 was possible due to DU’s partnerships with state and federal agencies, private corporations, individual donors, and farmers.
Upcoming Initiatives
DU along with Wetlands America Trust partnered with Ducks Unlimited Canada and Ducks Unlimited de México back in August 2023 to initiate the ‘Conservation For A Continent. Our Wetlands. Our Legacy’ campaign. The partnership is striving to secure at least $3 billion by 2026 through this fundraising campaign aimed at financing wetland conservation and restoration projects across North America.
CEO’s Quote
Adam Putnam, CEO of DU, hailed this momentous achievement as an almost 90-year journey to success. It’s a testament to the relentless efforts of their dedicated workforce and volunteers who have contributed to the dramatic growth in conservation over the years. “We don’t just advocate for wetlands – our mission moves dirt. Ducks see it. Communities see it. Partners see it. Each acre represents in-the-field success. Combined with our most ambitious comprehensive campaign in history, Conservation For a Continent, DU members and supporters are more motivated than ever before to make an impact on the wetlands and waterfowl we love,” he stated.
