Ducks Unlimited (DU) is advancing vital wetland conservation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supported by a $2.5 million grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. This funding will enhance habitat restoration for wildlife and provide crucial ecosystem services—such as clean water and flood protection—for over 18 million residents in the region.
Emily Purcell, DU’s Director of Conservation Programs, emphasized the project’s dual benefits for wildlife and communities. The James M. Cox Foundation, a long-time supporter of DU, has committed over $200 million to various conservation efforts, including a recent $100 million gift for DU’s Wetlands America Trust.
This initiative is vital for the Chesapeake Bay, a key economic driver valued at over $63 billion through outdoor recreation and the seafood industry. Established in 1937, DU is dedicated to conserving North America’s wetlands and has restored over 19 million acres.
The James M. Cox Foundation supports projects in conservation, early childhood education, and health, while Cox Communications focuses on connecting communities through technology. Overall, these efforts aim to enhance environmental health and create economic opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic region.
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