The Water Table

#132 | Ducks Unlimited: Balancing Wetland Conservation & Agricultural Production


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How do we find the balance between productive agriculture and wetland conservation? Guest host Trey Allis sits down with Samantha Ewald of Ducks Unlimited to learn how their engineering expertise goes beyond conservation to actively restoring wetlands to filter water, capture sediment, and remove nutrients. From tackling failing drain tile systems to transforming farmland into thriving wetlands, learn how they’re finding solutions and why wetlands are considered the kidneys of the Earth.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Wetlands 
00:29 Welcome Sam Ewald 
01:33 About Ducks Unlimited 
02:23 Regional Engineer Role 
03:29 Project Discovery 
05:01 Wetland Restoration Process 
07:49 Wetlands & Water Quality 
09:11 Balance in Landscapes 
11:46 Where to Restore? 
13:24 Ducks Like Friends 
14:11 Favorite Duck Hunt 
15:42 DU's Impact: 1 Million Acres 
17:16 More Than Digging Holes 
17:35 Favorite Projects: Tile 
19:46 Shallow Lake Restoration 
21:29 Make Wet Spots Wetter 
22:59 Career Advice & Learnings 
27:37 Wish I Knew Earlier 
29:45 DU's Broader Reach 
31:28 More Duck Talk 
33:05 Wrap Up


Related content:

  • #15 | A Look at Watershed Districts - Balancing Water Quality and Water Quantity
  • #18 | The Intersection of Pheasants Forever and Conservation on the Farm
  • #125 | A 30-year Career in Conservation & Innovation: From NRCS to Family Farms
  • Ducks Unlimited - Conservation Projects 

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The Water TableBy Jamie Duininck