Memphis non-profit launches $3B fundraising goal for North American wetland conservation efforts

What’s happening: Two Memphis-based nonprofits have formed a coalition with their Canadian and Mexican counterparts, launching a massive fundraising campaign that intends to raise at least $3 billion by 2026. Their goal? To protect and restore wetland habitats in all 50 states, in Canada, and in Mexico.

What it is: The Memphis-based Ducks Unlimited, Inc., and Wetlands America Trust have partnered with Ducks Unlimited Canada and Ducks Unlimited de México to launch Conservation For A Continent. Our Wetlands. Our Legacy. The initiative will have the coalition working together to secure at least $3 billion by 2026 through an international fundraising campaign, the result of which will fund conservation and restoration projects for wetlands throughout North America.

Who they are: Headquartered in Memphis since 1992, Ducks Unlimited (DU) actually has its roots in the American and Canadian prairielands, where the Dust Bowl droughts of the 1930s decimated wetlands, and waterfowl populations. The conservation organization officially launched in 1937, and was quickly followed by the launch of Ducks Unlimited Canada one year later; Ducks Unlimited de México launched in Mexico in 1970. Wetlands America Trust provides financial and philanthropic support for DU.

How they’ll do it: The initiative lays out five priorities in their efforts to protect wetlands, waterfowl, and the larger ecosystems as a whole. These include breeding landscape conservation; migration and wintering landscape conservation; conservation research and education; Wetlands Forever, which will fund programs that encourage conservation volunteerism and mission-focused projects; and Conservation Legacy, which will work to grow the Ducks Unlimited endowment for conservation work.

What they’re saying: “Conservation For A Continent is more than a statement,” says Ducks Unlimited President Chuck Smith. “It’s a promise to improve wetlands across North America on a scale large enough to improve quality of life for waterfowl, people and other wildlife.”