Last Saturday I met a couple at Lake Eufaula to get information for a Georgia Outdoor News article. One of the places we fished is a popular creek called “The Witches Ditch.” Near the mouth of the creek is a riprap levee with a diesel water pump on it.

The levee and pump are there to pump water out of a big area behind the levee. In the spring it is drained and food sources for waterfowl is planted. Then in the late summer the area is allowed to flood, offering ducks and geese perfect feeding areas.

This project is part of the National Wildlife Refuge located in Georgia and Alabama on Lake Eufaula. There are several other similar places around the lake where this is done the same way, with levees and pumps.

These wildlife areas benefit waterfowl and many other species of wildlife, from deer to alligators. Such improvements in natural areas are critical for survival of some species and help others thrive. Much of the work on these kinds of conservation projects is funded by Ducks, Unlimited.

Ducks, Unlimited is a worldwide organization of sportsmen and conversationalists that work to fund such projects. Almost all of them are hunters and they know waterfowl and wildlife needs special help since so much habitat is being destroyed.

The organization has completed over 20,000 projects involving more than 12 million acres. Each year many of these projects are in Georgia. Duck hunters here in Griffin benefit from these projects, but all wildlife and anyone valuing conservation of natural resources also benefit.

One of the levee and pump areas on Eufaula was funded by Ducks, Unlimited and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was completed in 1995. It restored 450 acres of moist soil habitat by installation of a 24 inch pump station and rehabilitation of existing levees. The goal of this project was to enhance habitat for mallards, wood ducks, gadwall and green winged teal. It also provides for hunting opportunities.

Closer to us, a project at Rum Creek Wildlife Management Area near Forsyth included the installation of a water control structure and dike around an area. The field is planted with millet and corn to provide winter food for wildlife. The project was in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

At Lake Oconee 150 acres of habitat has been conserved with the installation of six water control structures and the renovation of some dikes there. This project is also managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and provides forage for migrating waterfowl near Lake Oconee.

There are many other Georgia projects. Over the years more than 20,000 acres have been conserved through projects in Georgia. Since Georgia is part of the Atlantic Flyway, it provides winter habitat for waterfowl that migrates through the area and is very important for their survival.

Money for all these projects is raised through local banquets and other events. Members pay dues and volunteer their time, but the local events are critical for continuing to conserve the environment. And the money is used for projects, not administration of the organization. More than 80 precent of money raised goes to conservation projects, making Ducks, Unlimited number 115 on a list of almost one million non profit organizations in the US in terms of efficient use of money raised.

Young people are the future of hunting and conservation and Ducks, Unlimited works hard to educate them and help them become involved. Greenwing membership for $15 per year is available to those 17 years old or younger and includes four issues of Puddler Magazine, a magazine just for youth, as well as six annual issues of Ducks, Unlimited Magazine.

Adult membership is $35 per year and includes the Ducks, Unlimited magazine and members only web access. They are also offering a free gift to new members right now. Various levels of membership and sponsorship is also available for varying amounts.

If you value conservation and wildlife, and want to help, visit the Ducks, Unlimited website at www.ducks.org to find out more. Join an organization that works to further your goals of conservation, whether you are a hunter or not.