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Ducks Unlimited Canada in the news You can’t talk about conservation without Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Wetlands

A natural defence system for drought, floods and climate change.

Impact Area

Working hand-in-hand with Canadians, we are conserving our remaining wetlands.

What is a wetland? Get the story

What is a wetland?

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We have a lot to show for more than 85 years of conservation work. But it is far from done. We are building on the momentum of our successes—working with our supporters to protect and restore our natural defense systems.

Our understanding of wetlands is growing, but they continue to decrease. In settled areas of Canada, up to 70% of our wetlands have already been destroyed or degraded. As they continue to disappear, so too do the many benefits they provide.

They protect us from flooding, drought and climate change. They protect wildlife by providing hundreds of species with safe places to eat, sleep and raise young. They give us natural places to play, learn and explore. They also clean the water we enjoy at beaches, lakes and rivers.

Together, we can restore our wetlands.

Years in the making for record-breaking conservation project
Biodiversity, Hannotte, Landowners, Landowners, Prairie Canada, Prairie Pothole Region, Provincial, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

Years in the making for record-breaking conservation project

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Boreal wetlands
Boreal wetlands © DUC

Taking Action

Wetlands are like nature’s well-oiled defense system, formed over millions of years.

Hooked on making a difference Get the story

Hooked on making a difference

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Canada’s wetlands are diverse. They take the form of marshes, bogs, fens, swamps and open water. They appear on the prairies, in the boreal forest, along coastlines and even in the tundra. Every type helps to keep our communities healthy and safe. Right now, we’re working on projects that:
  • Restore wetlands that have already been lost. Drainage, urban expansion and resource extraction are the biggest threats. Our work has resulted in more than 11,826 completed habitat projects, 6.4 million acres of secured habitat and 201.8 million acres of positively influenced habitat.
  • Our research and best practices will be shared with industry and government to help them be sustainable. It has driven positive change in these sectors across Canada.
  • Improve the quality of our waters by fighting invasive species. Turning back invasive species takes science, engineering and commitment.

See Nature as Something New

Stories about wetlands

Selwyn-area family gives back to nature with wetland
Landowners, Wetlands

Selwyn-area family gives back to nature with wetland

Ontario landowners say "if you build it, they will come."

Research to resilience: How data can transform our landscapes for the better
Biodiversity, Invasive Species, IWWR, Pacific Coast, Partnerships, Science, Water, Wetland restoration, Wetlands

Research to resilience: How data can transform our landscapes for the better

Research in the Fraser River Estuary results in real-world on-the-ground conservation.

Winnipeg high school students earn Ducks Unlimited Canada prize for Wildfire Management Solution
Boreal Forest, Education, Wetlands

Winnipeg high school students earn Ducks Unlimited Canada prize for Wildfire Management Solution

Fort Richmond Collegiate students take home first place in Ducks Unlimited Canada's national research competition.

Pilot project filters road salt before it hits our waterways
Atlantic, Partnerships, Water, Wetlands

Pilot project filters road salt before it hits our waterways

Constructed wetland in City of Moncton snow disposal facility holds promise for holding back harmful road salts.

Canadian scientists showcasing the latest in waterfowl research at North American Duck Symposium 
IWWR, Science, Water, Waterfowl, Wetlands

Canadian scientists showcasing the latest in waterfowl research at North American Duck Symposium 

Eleven Ducks Unlimited Canada researchers will attend the international conference, presenting on recent research, and learning from a global network of waterfowl scientists.

Healthy wetlands: A true force of nature
Landowners, Partnerships, Wetlands

Healthy wetlands: A true force of nature

Nick Krete is restoring on-farm wetlands thanks to insurance industry support and private landowners' active participation.

Maps, milestones and machine learning
Boreal, Conservator, Partnerships, Wetlands

Maps, milestones and machine learning

It’s taken a quarter-century to map one-quarter of Canada’s boreal landscape. But advances in policy and technology will make every minute count.

Ontario’s Young-Findlay project a model of partnership
85 Years of Conservation, Landowners, Partnerships, Wetlands

Ontario’s Young-Findlay project a model of partnership

Making dreams come true through collaboration and creativity.

More ecosystems where we are making an impact

Our conservation efforts impact diverse areas across the entire country—including your community.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity

Boreal Forest

Boreal Forest

Grasslands

Grasslands

Great Lakes – St. Lawrence

Great Lakes – St. Lawrence

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