Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is a leading nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and management of wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. The organization was founded in 1937 during the Dust Bowl, when severe droughts had significantly reduced waterfowl populations across the continent.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Ducks Unlimited is to conserve and restore wetlands, thereby benefiting waterfowl as well as other wildlife and people. The organization's vision is to have "wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever."

Activities and Achievements

Ducks Unlimited operates across North America, including all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. It has conserved over 19 million acres of habitat since its inception. In recent years, the organization delivered a milestone of 1 million acres of conservation in a single year, thanks to partnerships with over a million supporters and partners. This achievement underscores the organization's commitment to protecting and restoring crucial breeding, wintering, and staging habitats for waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited's efforts also focus on biodiversity, water quality improvement, flood prevention, and coastal storm mitigation. Wetlands conserved by the organization not only support waterfowl but also provide numerous benefits to local ecosystems and human communities.

Organizational Structure and Funding

Ducks Unlimited is a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization with a strong membership base. It hosts several thousand fundraising events annually, including banquets and sporting tournaments. These events are crucial for generating revenue to support conservation projects.

The organization relies on science-based decision-making and collaboration with various stakeholders, including landowners, corporations, state and federal agencies, and other conservation groups. Funding for its initiatives comes from a mix of private donations, corporate partnerships, and public grants.

Ducks Unlimited is accredited by the Land Trust Alliance and works closely with other environmental and conservation entities to amplify its impact.

Major Campaigns and Partnerships

One of Ducks Unlimited's significant initiatives is the "Conservation for a Continent" campaign, which aims to raise at least $3 billion by 2026 to expand existing conservation efforts. This campaign has received substantial support from major donors, including a $100 million commitment from Cox Enterprises.

Impact and Legacy

The impact of Ducks Unlimited extends beyond waterfowl conservation, as it contributes to the health of entire ecosystems and supports human well-being through improved water quality and flood protection. Its legacy is built on generations of conservationists who have worked together to safeguard North America's wetlands and wildlife for future generations.