Ducks Unlimited Canada
It's not just for ducks! Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is a national, private, non-profit organization committed to conserving wetlands and their associated habitats for North America's waterfowl, other wildlife, and people.
It began in 1937, when Ducks Unlimited (DU) Inc. was founded by a group of conservation-minded American sportsmen to contend with steadily disappearing habitat, lost due to drought, agriculture, and urban expansion. Since over 70 percent of North American waterfowl originate in the Canadian prairies, they initiated habitat conservation projects in Canada, and mainly in Saskatchewan, supported by fundraising activities in the U.S.
Ducks Unlimited Canada was formed in 1938 and their first activity was the Waterhen Marsh project near the town of Kinistino. DUC is now active in every province and territory in Canada and has positively influenced nearly 25 million acres of habitat across the country. It continues as a driving force behind habitat conservation in Saskatchewan through partnering with many government and community organizations and private landowners.
DUC in Saskatchewan currently has 110 community-based events, 950 volunteers, 9400 supporters, 2300 habitat projects, 6100 landowner partners and 0.65 million ha (1.6 million acres) of secured habitat. An estimated $253 million has been spent by DUC on habitat conservation in Saskatchewan. It has 70 employees in offices in Cumberland House, Melfort, North Battleford, Regina, Saskatoon, Wadena, and Yorkton.
On the surface, DUC has worked primarily to ensure waterfowl are off the endangered-species list. However, the conservation organization is involved in a wide variety of activities that contribute to improvements in energy and resource management, water quality, flood control, drought reduction techniques, wetland conservation, biological diversity, improved farming and ranching techniques, riparian wellness, erosion control, the use of native grasses and winter wheat, avian disease control, education, volunteerism, and even local art.
In addition, DUC's scientific research arm, the Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR), directs, evaluates, and modifies DUC's conservation programs and practices so that DUC can effectively meet the conservation needs of waterfowl.
DUC is also committed to helping young Canadians understand the values of wetlands through their Greenwing wetland and environmental education program for youth. By participating in the Greenwing program, young people can learn about wildlife and wetland conservation in a fun, hands-on manner. It aims to develop an appreciation for these critical habitats among the conservation leaders of the future.
DUC has also developed three wetland and environmental education units. These free lesson plans have been developed by teachers to meet curriculum requirements in the life sciences, but can also be helpful to non-formal and informal educators working with youth groups. At the senior level, students can study a local wetland and learn first hand about sampling techniques, observation, teamwork, experimentation, and use of technology.
In Saskatchewan, DUC sponsors the annual Lieutenant Governor's Greenwing Conservation Award to recognize contributions to wetland conservation in Saskatchewan.
DUC also supports two major bird areas and associated interpretive centres. The Chaplin Nature Centre on Chaplin Lake, west of Moose Jaw, is an internationally recognized migration stop for hundreds of thousands of birds. The Quill Lakes International Bird Area is located in east central Saskatchewan between Saskatoon and Yorkton. There, you'll find the Quill Lakes Interpretive Centre (Wynyard), the Wadena Nature Centre (Wadena), and the Foam Lake Visitor Centre (Foam Lake).
Based on a submission by James Edgar and the DUC website.
"The Lieutenant Governor's Greenwing Conservation Award, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, recognizes individuals and groups who aim and work to conserve and protect Saskatchewan's wetland habitats."