Province

Ontario

Ensuring people and and nature thrive together.

DUC

Ontario’s Natural Infrastructure

The need for wetland conservation to support a healthy and prosperous Ontario has never been greater.

We are the national leader in wetland conservation. Since 1974, we’ve worked in Ontario to conserve 1 million acres of wetlands and adjacent habitat such as grassland, forest or other upland habitats. Wetlands are hard-working ecosystems that deliver cleaner water, capture carbon and nutrients, and preserve and increase habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife including endangered species.

All this, while providing natural climate buffers for Ontario communities. Wetlands are a natural solution.

Researcher Elise Gabrielli carrying out field work in the Lake Erie watershed.

Wondering if our work adds up?

Our conservation footprint in Ontario

1 million Acres conserved

Since 1974

3,792 Landowner partners

Protecting vital habitat

2,173 Habitat projects

Under our care

Indigenous Peoples

Ducks Unlimited Canada respects that we in Ontario are all on lands traditionally occupied by Indigenous Peoples, who continue to shape this land today.

video

Paying It Forward

Join DUC director Phil Holst at Heritage Hill Farms in Wellington County to see how seventh-generation dairy farmer Mary Ann Doré is paying forward stewardship as part of her family legacy.

The Latest Stories from Ontario

Landowners, Wetland restoration

Passion project creates birder’s paradise in Gananoque

Landowners, Partnerships, Wetlands

Nature Force partners enhance wetlands in Oxford County

Biodiversity, Partnerships, Wetlands, Wildlife

Blanding’s turtle hatchlings protected in Carp Hills wetland

Landowners, Wetland restoration

The Cullen Wetland: Restoring what was lost

Media releases

Phragmites Biocontrol in Ontario

Invasive Phragmites is considered the worst invasive plant in Canada due to its impact on our wetlands, waterways and natural areas.

Explore Wetlands in Ontario

Explore a local wetland—any time of year—to relax and connect with the outdoors. Find beautiful destinations in Ontario, ready for your visit.

Carp Hills

The Carp Hills are among the largest undeveloped natural spaces within the City of Ottawa. The Hills cover nearly 10,000 acres (4,047 hectares) of rocky barrens, forests and shallow wetlands.

LANDOWNER GUIDANCE

Wetlands at Work

We work with landowners to create or enhance wetland and grassland habitats where restoration of the landscape is most needed. Our mission is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and adjacent habitats, which together create healthy ecosystems. Habitat conservation projects include restoration and enhancement work (i.e., grassland, small wetland excavations and small impoundments) and support for existing wetland habitats through programs such as nest boxes, agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other wetland securement tools.

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