Edward Lynn, Eagle Grove Eagle
The Red Shed event center was packed with outdoor sports and hunting enthusiasts last Saturday night as Ducks Unlimited hosted its annual fundraiser, a key event for conservation efforts in the region. The evening featured fundraising games and a silent auction offering a wide range of high-end outdoorsman’s gear and accessories, including firearms, with all proceeds going toward wetland preservation.
Ducks Unlimited, an international nonprofit dedicated to wetland conservation, has been at the forefront of preserving and restoring habitats critical to waterfowl and other wildlife. “Last year, we conserved over a million acres of wetlands,” said Chris Sprott, state chairman for Iowa Ducks Unlimited. “We have another million on the books for this year.”
The organization’s impact extends far beyond hunting, benefiting entire ecosystems and communities. “Wetlands do so much more than just give us a habitat for duck hunting,” Sprott explained. “They are essential for water quality, watershed flood mitigation, and filtering out nitrates from agricultural runoff.”
For those unfamiliar with the importance of wetlands, Sprott broke it down simply: “A wetland is like a big sponge. It draws in water from fields and other areas, filters out harmful nitrates, and then releases clean water downstream. That’s why wetland conservation matters to everyone, not just sportsmen.”
Travis Connor, a local organizer, emphasized the fundraiser’s role in supporting conservation. “We do this every year, typically on the last Saturday of February. The biggest thing is wetland conservation and preserving land for future generations.”
The Clarion event was part of a broader initiative by Ducks Unlimited, which hosts various fundraisers across Iowa, including skeet shooting, bingo nights, and golf tournaments. According to Sprott, “We hold roughly 150 to 200 events a year across the state, with 88 chapters leading the charge.” The organization is active across the entire continent of North America, throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Attendees were eager to show their support. Many took part in the silent auction, where premium hunting gear and firearms drew significant bids. “Ducks Unlimited invests 83 cents of every dollar donated back into conservation,” Sprott noted. “It’s one of the most efficient nonprofit organizations out there—supporters really get a lot of bang for their buck.”
Beyond fundraising, Ducks Unlimited actively engages in wetland restoration and lake improvement projects throughout Iowa. “Much of our work here focuses on lake restoration,” Sprott said. “We improve and restore existing wetlands and make sure they function properly. It’s all about science—figuring out where wetlands make the most sense and directing our resources there.”
Connor encouraged more people to get involved with the local chapter. “We have roughly 12 committee members, but we’re always looking for more volunteers. Every year, we hold social events where people can learn more and join our efforts.”
For farmers and rural residents, wetland conservation is particularly relevant. “If you’re a farmer and you want to preserve your land for future generations, setting aside land for conservation programs like CRP or partnering with Ducks Unlimited is a great way to do it,” Connor explained. “It’s a proactive step toward sustainable land use.”
Connor emphasized that everyone should care about water. “When we preserve wetlands, we’re preserving the natural filter system of our waterways,” Connor said. “It’s not just about hunting—it’s about clean water, flood prevention, and protecting our way of life for future generations.”
