Thursday, April 22, marks the 51st annual celebration
Ducks Unlimited encourages you to celebrate Earth Day by experiencing and preserving the natural wonders that surround us.
The annual celebration for Earth Day is April 22, but every day is Earth Day for Ducks Unlimited because DU conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These positive impacts on our natural ecosystems also benefit people and communities through cleaner water and air, improved flood control, carbon storage, recreational opportunities and climate regulation.
The theme of this year’s Earth Day celebration is “Restore Our Earth.” Ducks Unlimited plays a big part in that restoration. DU and our conservation partners provide on-the-ground solutions that benefit waterfowl populations and maximize water resources through the dynamic natural functions of wetlands. In addition to providing habitat for waterfowl, wetlands slow and store water to help recharge watersheds and aquifers, improve water quality and provide important wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
Since it was founded in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres of habitat, thanks to the contributions of more than a million supporters across North America.
“Although freshwater wetlands cover only 1% of the Earth’s surface, they hold more than 40% of the world’s species and 12% of all animal species,” DU Chief Conservation Officer Karen Waldrop said. “Wetlands are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, rivaling tropical rainforests in their biological productivity. Historically, wetland systems sustained civilizations by providing people with food and fresh water and protecting communities from flooding and storm surges.”
So, celebrate Earth Day and help the earth’s ecosystems by planting a tree, taking a walk, picking up litter, fishing, hiking, boating, bird watching, hunting or just taking it all in. Time spent outdoors will lift your spirit and bring smile to your face in these challenging times.
“Public lands are waters are open for business across the country for outdoor recreation,” Waldrop said. “DU partners such as state fish and wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provide natural experiences for the public to enjoy on state wildlife management areas and national fish and wildlife refuges. Take advantage of what the earth has to offer and do your best to leave it better than you found it.”
And while you are surfing the Internet for Earth Day opportunities, visit www.ducks.org and learn about Ducks Unlimited and what we do to conserve wetlands and associated habitats.
“Joining and supporting Ducks Unlimited’s conservation work is another great way to give back to the earth every day,” Waldrop said. “The main thing is to enjoy nature and find your own way to give back.”
For more information about Earth Day, visit www.earthday.org.
For more information visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to follow DU’s news Twitter feed – @DUNews1937 – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.
