From Wetlands to Farmland: Ducks Unlimited Brings Conservation Home

Building bridges between wetlands and working lands
hen you hear “Ducks Unlimited,” you might think duck hunting but the organization’s roots run much deeper. Founded in 1937 during the Great Depression, Ducks Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands for waterfowl, wildlife, and people.

In the latest episode of IL Corn TV, Shane Gray talks with Jena Herrick, Manager of Conservation Programs- Big Rivers Initiative and Fletcher Morgan, Central Illinois Regional Director for Ducks Unlimited. Together, they share how the organization works hand-in-hand with farmers across Illinois to strengthen conservation efforts while keeping farm profitability front and center.

Partnerships that work for farmers and wildlife
Ducks Unlimited partners closely with both the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, restoring floodplain wetlands and expanding habitat in public areas. But one of their most popular connections with farmers comes through the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program—a crop insurance rebate program that rewards growers who plant cover crops with a $5-per-acre discount on the following year’s premium.

Herrick explained that while cover crops don’t directly tie to ducks, they improve soil health and water quality, which in turn benefits the state’s wetlands and wildlife habitat. “Clean water and healthy soils ultimately have a great impact on our wetland ecosystems,” she said.

‘Farm the best, conserve the rest’
Ducks Unlimited also works with landowners on marginal acres—low-lying or flood-prone fields that may not produce strong yields. “We’re not in the business of taking productive acres out of production,” Herrick emphasized. “But if a grower has an area that’s always wet or less profitable, we can help explore restoration or grassland options that improve both the bottom line and the environment.”

From improving soil health to supporting wildlife and helping farmers manage less-productive acres, Ducks Unlimited’s message is simple: farm the best, conserve the rest—and everyone benefits.

Watch the full episode of IL Corn TV featuring Ducks Unlimited now.