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 Ducks Unlimited Canada 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. Ducks Unlimited Canada 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.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jacob Demers, Ducks Unlimited Canada

Impact Report: Saving our water, wildlife and wild places

Take an in-depth look at how Ducks Unlimited Canada and partners Nature Conservancy of Canada and Wildlife Habitat Canada are bringing Canadians together to conserve nature for the benefit of wildlife, habitats and people. Together, we’re helping build stronger, more resilient communities and landscapes.

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NHCP Report (2023-2024): Conservation Impact Through Partnership PDF – 4.6 MB

Natural Heritage Conservation Program projects conserved by Ducks Unlimited Canada

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

Featured work

Conservation at McIntyre Ranch

Joining forces to protect the largest private grassland project in Canadian history

St. Luke’s Marsh

Coastal wetlands like St. Luke’s Marsh in Ontario’s southwest are rare—and extremely valuable. In this densely populated area surrounding Lake St. Clair, only 1.5% of historic wetlands remain.

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.

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.

Supporting biodiversity and species at risk

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

Least Bittern
Bobolink
Eastern Meadowlark
American Badger (Western)
Barn Swallow
Burrowing Owl
Red-headed Woodpecker

Get the story

Natural Heritage Conservation Program provides new protection for Canada’s wetlands

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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.