Cargill and Ducks Unlimited Working Together to Restore Watersheds Across North America

Ducks Unlimited (DU) is proud to announce a new landscape collaboration with long-standing partner Cargill to further invest in the sustainable management of watersheds across North America. Cargill renewed a three-year commitment to advancing conservation efforts with a $1.5 million, multi-year grant to support DU projects focused on shared priority watersheds: Ogallala Aquifer (Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado), Lake Ontario Watershed (New York), Upper Mississippi River (Iowa) and Canadian Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan). 

 “At Cargill, we know that healthy watersheds are crucial for farming and the communities around them,” said Cargill Chief Sustainability Officer Pilar Cruz. “By partnering with Ducks Unlimited, we are investing in the resiliency of our natural resources. We are committed to preserving water quality and supporting natural resources so these lands can be enjoyed and utilized by future generations.”

Cargill has a long history of supporting the critical conservation work DU and its partners are doing to improve water quality and availability, supporting sustainable agricultural practices, protecting natural ecosystems and enhancing vital habitats for waterfowl. Since 2010, Cargill has invested over $3.9 million with DU, helping conserve or restore more than 116,000 acres across North America. 

“Cargill has been an invaluable partner over the years in our mission to protect and restore critical, natural landscapes,” said DU Chief Conservation Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop. “Its continued investment in sustainable watersheds is crucial not only for clean water and productive agriculture but also for ensuring waterfowl habitats thrive across North America. By enhancing these natural areas, we are helping secure a better future for nature and people.”

Priority areas supported through this grant include:

• Ogallala Aquifer: The Ogallala Aquifer is one of the largest underground sources of clean and replenishable water in the world. While Nebraska is home to the aquifer’s most densely saturated soils, the Ogallala sprawls across eight states, providing drinking water and irrigation resources through some of the most agriculturally rich landscapes of the Great Plains and southern United States. Restoration projects will focus on groundwater recharge, nutrient stewardship, soil health, biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
• Lake Ontario Watershed: Spanning nearly 2,500 miles of land area within New York State, the efforts in this watershed focus on restoring and protecting wetlands while also improving water quality for residents and wildlife habitat for birds, fish and mammals. 
• Upper Mississippi River: While the Mississippi River provides drinking water to more than 20 million people in over 50 cities, projects of all sizes can have a positive impact for many miles down the river and along the corridor. These restoration projects will benefit not only water quality but also wildlife habitat and community and climate resilience.
• Canadian Prairies: By supporting healthy ecosystems and providing agricultural assistance, the Canadian Prairies represent a vital area where conservation and farming interests align, benefiting both waterfowl populations and agricultural productivity. Projects will continue to support farmers and ranchers in adopting practices that enhance soil health, reduce harmful runoff and conserve water.

This long-standing partnership supports the company’s goal of enabling the restoration of 600 billion liters of water and the reduction of 5,000 metric tons of water pollutants in water-stressed regions by 2030. DU’s and Cargill’s combined efforts will continue to benefit waterfowl, water quality, agriculture and communities across North America. Learn more about Cargill’s global water ambition. This long-standing partnership supports the company’s goal of enabling the restoration of 600 billion liters of water and the reduction of 5,000 metric tons of water pollutants in water-stressed regions by 2030. DU’s and Cargill’s combined efforts will continue to benefit waterfowl, water quality, agriculture and communities across North America. Learn more about Cargill’s global water ambition.

###

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 159 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 18 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.