DU teamed up with the Conservation Board, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, The Great Outdoors Fund, Pheasants Forever-Mud Creek Chapter, Mid-Iowa Retriever Club, NAWCA and 26 DU Major Sponsors to complete the Chichaqua Bottoms Wetland Enhancement project in 2011.

The project restored 88 acres of emergent marsh and over 100 acres of native grasslands. A new water delivery system and a water control structure were installed, allowing wetland managers to maximize habitat for migrating waterfowl and ground nesting birds. The project is only 20 minutes from the Des Moines metropolitan area and is one of the most popular and well visited public recreation areas in Iowa.

A dedication in March 2013 celebrated the success of the project and recognize the Major Donors for their generous contributions towards DU's Living Lakes Initiative and 75th Diamond Anniversary.