HomeConnecting people to nature and a healthier world through wetland conservation
Who we are | Our commitment | What we do | Why our work is needed | Mission | Vision
Who we are
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.
Visionary support
- DUC has 144,000 grassroots supporters across the country, including 6,600 volunteers.
- DUC has nearly 75 years of experience conserving wetlands.
- DUC was established in 1938 by conservation-minded waterfowlers who recognized the importance of wetlands. DUC is proud of its waterfowling heritage.
- DUC collaborates with Ducks Unlimited in the United States, Mexico and New Zealand.
Our Commitment
DUC invests more than 87 per cent of all net  |
DUC is a registered charity supported by conservation-minded people who make generous financial and in-kind contributions. In a commitment to transparency, DUC follows the highest ethical and financial standards to ensure donations are directed to our mission, which creates a healthier world. Learn more about DUC successes in our annual reports. |
What we do
Using sound science, DUC delivers on-the-ground habitat conservation projects, research, education programs and public policy work to conserve, restore and manage wetlands.
Delivering solutions
- To date, DUC has completed 8,880 habitat projects and conserved 6.2 million acres of wetlands and associated habitat.
- The Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR) is the scientific research arm of DUC. Its respected team of biologists finds answers to important environmental questions and establishes the value of wetlands to society.
- DUC delivers the Project Webfoot education program to thousands of students and teachers annually and partners with interpretive centres where the public explores and learns about wetlands firsthand.
- DUC works with all levels of governments, advocating for programs and policies that benefit wetlands and stop critical wetland loss.
Why our work is needed
Wetlands are valuable natural resources that provide many environmental and economic benefits. Unfortunately, wetlands are being lost at an alarming rate. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is committed to conserving these critical areas to ensure a healthy future for waterfowl, wildlife and all Canadians.
Wetlands such as marshes, ponds and bogs:
- Filter water and provide safe, secure water sources.
- Provide essential habitat for waterfowl and wildlife, including species at risk such as the piping plover, the northern leopard frog and snapping and painted turtles.
- Reduce flooding, drought and erosion.
- Lessen climate change impacts.
- Offer recreational and learning opportunities in nature.
In settled areas of Canada, up to 70 per cent of wetlands are lost or degraded. Every day 80 acres of wetlands are lost.
This loss is the equivalent of about 45 soccer fields every 24 hours.
Mission
Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.
Vision
Abundant wetlands and waterfowl – today, tomorrow and forever.
