Ducks Unlimited Canada: Protecting Canada’s Wetlands

Not land or water, but a fluid combination of both, wetlands are among the most productive habitats on Earth. Wetlands are all built on a simple foundation: water becomes trapped, either through poor drainage, periodic flooding or by coastal barriers such as sandbars, and a wetland, that unique mix of land and water, is born.

Historically, wetlands have been thought of as mosquito-infested wastelands that could only be dealt with by draining, filling or paving.

Fortunately, we have come to realize that wetlands are much more; they are dynamic, productive and diverse ecosystem, providing nursery and nesting sites for migratory birds (for which I have a particular affinity) and feeding grounds for a staggering number of highly-adapted species.

In addition to their importance to these animals, these ecosystems also provide vital services for human civilizations.  Perhaps most importantly, they act as a natural filtration system for our water supplies, taking brackish or sediment-laden water and filtering it down to crisp, fresh, water. Interestingly, up to 90% of bacteria can be filtered from water passing through a wetland.

Yet, despite these values, wetlands continue to be lost at an alarming rate. They are drained for agriculture, filled for development, polluted by toxic runoff, invaded by exotic species, and damaged by artificial changes in water levels.  It is estimated that up to 70% of our wetlands have been lost in settled areas of Canada.

If we continue to lose wetlands, a large and important piece of the natural system that keeps our world healthy will disappear.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is dedicated to slowing and reversing this trend.  This not-for-profit organization contributes extensively to wetland conservation and research.  Impressively, out of every dollar donated to DUC, 79 cents is devoted solely to this purpose.

The results generated by DUC-sponsored research initiatives are then used to advocate for policy changes in all levels of government.  And when DUC talks, government listens, as this 65-year old organization has established itself as a highly credible source of information.  This credibility should not be understated, as it is becoming obvious that many voices are simply lost in the anarchy caused by the recent rise of other self-proclaimed “eco” groups and NGOs. 

In addition, or perhaps as a corollary to, to research and lobbying efforts, DUC expends considerable resources delivering wetland and environmental education programs to teach Canadians about the importance of wetland conservation.

At the end of the day, Leslie and I feel that DUC is a bona fide conservation group whose values and goals closely mirror our own.  As such, we are very happy to make a donation to this group on behalf of the Morrow-Maglio wedding.  

We hope you like your present!

With love,

Mike, Leslie and Jackson “the super-pug” Pollard
Lethbridge, Alberta