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Natural Heritage Conservation Program

Protecting critical habitat in some of Canada’s most beloved landscapes

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Biodiversity is fundamental

As Canadians, we have the privilege of enjoying a country rich in natural landscapes. This includes the wetland and grassland habitats DUC works to protect.

The biodiversity found in these areas are fundamental to our way of life and are worthy of focussed conservation efforts to ensure they remain for generations to come.

The Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a commitment to create healthier habitats for species at risk and to improve Canada’s natural environment. DUC is proud to be a trusted delivery partner that’s helping the Government of Canada deliver this program. Together, we’re finding new ways to protect our lands, waters and wildlife.

Burrowing owl
Burrowing owl © DUC / Darin Langhorst

Impact Report: Saving our water, wildlife and wild places

Take an in-depth look at the outstanding conservation achievements realized by DUC and our supporters in the first two years (2019 and 2020) of delivering the NHCP. Together, we’re finding new ways to protect our water, wildlife and wild places.

Click here to read the report (PDF)

Natural Heritage Conservation Program projects conserved by DUC

NHCP Projects Map This project was undertaken with the financial support: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Featured work

St. Luke’s Marsh

St. Luke’s Marsh

Part of an extensive system of waterfowl habitats around the lower Great Lakes, St. Luke’s Marsh and other coastal wetlands are among the most significant migratory stopover areas on the continent

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Saskatchewan farm family’s deep roots anchor conservation ethic
Grassroots, Landowners

Saskatchewan farm family’s deep roots anchor conservation ethic

This four-generation farm sits at the confluence of three major migration flyways. Here, potential waterfowl densities for all species combined are estimated at 51-60 pairs per square mile.

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Conserving habitat with a history
Grassroots, Landowners

Conserving habitat with a history

For Ron Houck, nature is an important part of his farm’s history—and it’s worth saving. Habitat he’s protected with the help of DUC benefits more than 50 species of birds and other animals.

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Bobolink
Bobolink © DUC / Jeope Wolfe

Supporting biodiversity and species at risk

At least seven species at risk are benefiting from habitat protected by DUC through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.

  • Least Bittern
  • Bobolink
  • Eastern Meadowlark
  • American Badger (Western)
  • Barn Swallow
  • Burrowing Owl
  • Red-headed Woodpecker
Natural Heritage Conservation Program

Natural Heritage Conservation Program

The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program is a unique public-private partnership to support new protected and conserved areas by securing private lands and private interests in lands. The program is managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Federal funds invested in the program are matched with contributions raised by NCC and its partners, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the country’s land trust community.

Read the announcement