Ducks Unlimited Canada Celebrates 50 Years of Action for Quebec’s Wetlands

Quebec City, September 24, 2026 — Founded in 1938, Canadian organization Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) celebrated 50 years of presence and action in Quebec at a recent event that brought together numerous employees, volunteers, partners and collaborators.  
 
This celebration highlighted a collective legacy that has been growing since 1976 and served as a reminder that wetland conservation calls for co-ordinated action across various stakeholders. Over time, the Quebec team has developed scientific and field expertise rooted in action and collaboration. Today, about 40 employees, supported by a vast network of volunteers and various partners, make this work possible. 

The event was an opportunity to look back on DUC’s progress and to look toward the future. Employees representing the organization’s next generation shared their vision for the future, while partners shared their own experiences to highlight the crucial role of collaboration in DUC’s mission. Finally, a posthumous tribute was paid to Paul-Émile Bélanger, an exceptional volunteer whose dedication left a lasting mark on the organization. 

We would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of everyone who helped make this event a success. A special thank you to Microsoft Canada for its financial support!

New content to explore 50 years of action 

During the event, DUC unveiled a series of new content pieces to highlight its history, expertise and work in the field. A podcast, hosted by Fabien Cloutier, traces the organization’s journey in Quebec over the past 50 years through the testimonials of major contributors, while a video, story map and poster (in French), and a retrospective article (in English and French) highlight the key ecological functions of wetlands and explore different aspects of DUC’s conservation work.

“What struck me the most about Ducks Unlimited Canada’s history in Quebec are all the people who carried out the organization’s mission over the years. Behind 50 years of conservation lies a great deal of passion, dedication and teamwork. As a DUC member, I’m proud to support a cause that is close to my heart and to help spread the word about its journey,” says Fabien Cloutier.

A mission everyone can be a part of 

During the event, DUC launched the 50 commitments for DUC’s 50 years in Quebec campaign at a press conference announcing the acquisition of more than 400 acres in the upper Saint-Charles River watershed.  

The campaign aims to foster concrete commitments to wetlands and biodiversity throughout the province. Organizations, municipalities, landowners and other conservation stakeholders are invited to propose initiatives or contribute to projects that are important to them.  

“For 50 years, our work in Quebec has taken many forms, but has always been driven by the same commitment: to take concrete action for the wetlands alongside people and organizations dedicated to their conservation. Our work draws on scientific knowledge, experience gained through various projects, and collaboration, and it is constantly evolving based on needs and challenges. The 50 commitments for DUC’s 50 years in Quebec campaign is part of this ongoing effort: it highlights just how much can be accomplished when everyone does their part,” explains Mélanie Deslongchamps, manager of provincial operations in Quebec for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Ducks Unlimited Canada’s impact across Quebec 

Since 1976, DUC has helped conserve more than 100,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats in Quebec. The national organization currently has over 350 habitat projects under its care and works with more than 350 landowners across the province. Behind these results are generations of volunteers and employees, as well as municipalities, governments, Indigenous Peoples, landowners, businesses, organizations and donors who choose to join forces to protect nature.  

For more information on the 50 commitments for DUC’s 50 years in Quebec campaign or to support DUC’s mission, visit this page.

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About Ducks Unlimited Canada   

Founded in 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the country’s largest land conservancy and a leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with Indigenous Peoples, government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca.