Our History – A Tradition of Wetland and Wildlife Conservation in Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) roots are planted in Canada’s Prairies in the dirty, dusty days of the Great Depression. Wetlands were steadily disappearing from drought, agriculture and urban expansion. As a result, waterfowl populations were plummeting.

In 1937, a group of conservation-minded sportsmen set out to contend with the destruction and neglect. They initiated habitat conservation projects in Canada—where 70 per cent of North America’s waterfowl originate—by raising funds in the United States. They called their effort Ducks Unlimited.

DUC was formed in 1938 to continue the conservation effort in Canada. More than 70 years later, DUC has grown and increased Canadian support and funding for wetland conservation.

DUC is still actively conserving wetlands in Canada. In fact, DUC’s conservation programs have positively influenced nearly 25 million acres of habitat. DUC has become Canada’s most trusted and respected conservation organization. DUC has become Canada’s Conservation Company.

DUC was formed in 1938 to continue the conservation effort in Canada. More than 70 years later, DUC has grown and increased Canadian support and funding for wetland conservation.

But despite this success, Canada’s wetlands continue to disappear. As much as 70 per cent of Canada’s original wetlands have been lost in some areas of the country.

DUC needs your support to continue delivering practical solutions to wetland loss. Learn more about how you can help conserve Canada’s wetlands today!