RIDGELAND, Miss., Jan. 29, 2021 - Ducks Unlimited has worked with conservation partner Farmland Partners Inc. ("Farmland Partners") to acquire nearly 1,300 acres adjacent to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for habitat restoration and protection. This historic land acquisition was made possible with assistance from North Inlet Advisors, LLC.

"Farmland Partners has become an invaluable partner in conservation and this newly acquired property will expand an existing protected habitat area by over 1,200 acres," said DU CEO Adam Putnam. "By protecting this historic landscape we will ensure future generations have the opportunity to enjoy this iconic area in the Atlantic Flyway."

The Great Dismal Swamp, located in the Coastal Plain Region of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, consists of forested wetlands and is critical habitat for a wide variety of birds, wildlife and plants.

"Farmland Partners is honored to continue the long tradition of farm owners supporting wildlife habitat preservation," said Farmland Partners CEO Paul A. Pittman.

The newly acquired property will expand an existing protected habitat area consisting of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, lands protected by The Nature Conservancy, and Cavalier Wildlife Management Area, which is managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

"Ducks Unlimited and Farmland Partners should be commended for finding a workable solution to promote vital wetland habitat enhancements despite residential development growth in close proximity to the property," said North Inlet Managing Director John Burlingame. "Through proper management, this area will serve as a point of interest for wilderness enthusiasts for generations to come."

For more information, visit www.ducks.org.

About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved almost 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.

 

Media Contact:

Emily Austin

601-206-5438

eaustin@ducks.org

@DUSouthernNews