Scott Stephens is DU’s New Director of Prairie and Boreal Conservation
Stephens will lead DU’s efforts to accelerate wetlands conservation in two critical landscapes
December 19, 2023 •
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Dec. 19, 2023 – Scott Stephens, Ph.D., is Ducks Unlimited Inc.'s (DU) new director of Prairie and Boreal Conservation.
Stephens spent 13 years with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and focused on conservation delivery in the Prairies and Boreal, most recently as DUC’s director of Conservation Strategy and Support. He will work out of DU’s Great Plains Region, starting this spring. Stephens will focus on accelerating DU’s conservation efforts in the Prairie Pothole Region and Boreal Forest, two of DU’s priority landscapes for waterfowl.
Before joining DUC, Stephens started his career as a conservation intern at DU’s national headquarters in Memphis and spent 15 years with DU overseeing research and conservation planning across the U.S. Great Plains.
“We are excited to welcome Scott back to Ducks Unlimited, Inc.,” said DU Chief Conservation Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop. “He has more than demonstrated his commitment to wetlands and waterfowl conservation in North America, and we know he is the right choice to direct DU’s conservation efforts in our most important landscapes, the Boreal Forest and Prairie Pothole Regions.”
Stephens has a bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State, a master’s degree from Mississippi State and a Ph.D. from Montana State University.
When focused on something other than conservation, Stephens enjoys time outdoors hunting waterfowl and upland birds, fishing and trapping in the winter.
“I’m excited to use my experience in Prairie and Boreal conservation to facilitate success in these critical areas," Stephens said. "The opportunity to spend my time and energy focused on accelerating wetland conservation in the two most important landscapes for breeding waterfowl in North America is my dream job.”
About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 18 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent capital campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
