Conservation in Illinois

Ducks Unlimited (DU) conserves habitat at the continental scale to meet the lifecycle needs of North America’s waterfowl. Illinois is part of the Mississippi Flyway, providing important migration, breeding and wintering areas for many of the continent’s waterfowl such as wood ducks, mallards, canvasbacks, and Canada geese.

During 2005, working with a variety of partners, DU’s Illinois conservation program restored and enhanced 2,752 acres of wetlands and adjacent habitat. Illinois’ conservation projects are designed to maximize the amount and quality of migration, breeding and wintering waterfowl habitats as well as improve conditions for waterfowl production.

Great Lakes Ecosystem Initiative

The objective of the Great Lakes Ecosystem Initiative is to conserve wetland and upland habitat to meet the needs of waterfowl, which also improves water quality and benefits other wildlife and society.

Upper Mississippi River Initiative

The objective of the Upper Mississippi River Ecosystem Initiative is to restore and protect wetlands and associated habitats that benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people, improve water quality, and promote watershed health.