Who we are
Connecting 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
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 143,000 grassroots supporters across the country, including 6,600 volunteers.
- DUC was established in 1938 by conservation-minded waterfowlers who recognized the importance of wetlands. DUC is proud of its waterfowling heritage.
- DUC has nearly 75 years of experience conserving wetlands.
- DUC is part of a larger Ducks Unlimited family, which includes Ducks Unlimited in the United States, Mexico and New Zealand.
President Tom Worden and CEO Greg Siekaniec share thoughts on DUC’s proud past, bold present and promising future.
Our commitment
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.
View complete financial information:
Charity Information Return
DUC has adopted the Imagine Canada Ethical Code Program. The Ethical Code sets standards for charities to manage and report their financial affairs responsibly. Upholding the standards of the Ethical Code is an important part of our commitment to our donors.
Charitable registration # 11888 8957 RR0001
What we do
Using sound science, DUC delivers on-the-ground habitat conservation projects, research, education programs and public policy work to stop wetland loss.
Delivering solutions
- To date, DUC has completed 9,112 habitat projects and conserved 6.3 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. What’s shocking is that wetlands are being lost at an alarming rate. 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.
- Offer recreational and learning opportunities in nature.
In settled areas of Canada, 70 per cent of wetlands are lost or degraded. Every day, 80 acres of wetlands are lost. This 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.