susquehanna stories: ducks unlimited’s work in the susquehanna flats | gunner flyway series 2023

08-11-234 mins read

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Q&A with Edward Farley | Regional Biologist, Ducks Unlimited

Susquehanna is the fourth Flyway Series release from GUNNER, which features limited-edition colors that draw inspiration from iconic destinations and honey holes within the four North American flyways. Limited quantities available. A portion of Susquehanna-edition products proceeds will be donated to Ducks Unlimited R. Madison Mitchell chapter.

The collection launches August 17, 2023. Sign up here for early access.

Ducks Unlimited has delivered over 300 projects in the Chesapeake Bay area, which has collectively impacted nearly 80,000 acres. Their current conservation program in the Chesapeake Bay aims to restore wetlands in agricultural areas that directly provide habitat for waterfowl, while also improving water quality in the Bay that will help the SAV to make a strong comeback.

Here's our Q&A with Edward Farley to explore more about DU's work.

What are DU’s main focuses in the Susquehanna region? What impacts have you seen from your conservation efforts in the area? 

The Susquehanna River is one of the main tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. The Susquehanna Flats, where the river enters the Bay, are extremely important to waterfowl. The expansive shallow water of the flats is perfect for submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), which is an excellent waterfowl food source. It was once very abundant here. Degradations to water quality in the Bay negatively impacted the SAV, which decreased the quality of the habitat for waterfowl.

Mapping SAV using aerial imagery began back in the 80’s. Since that time, the extent of SAV in the Chesapeake Bay has expanded, indicating that SAV is starting to recover due to the efforts of many different groups. Our work is a small piece of the puzzle, but I believe it is helping to improve conditions on the Bay.

What are some unique characteristics of the Susquehanna region that stand out to you?  

The history of the Susquehanna Flats and the Chesapeake Bay captivate me. The conditions really make it perfect for waterfowl, which is why they have flocked there since time immemorial. Those flocks of ducks, geese, and swans in turn brought flocks of hunters, both commercial and recreational. There is a rich and storied tradition of waterfowling in this area that persists to this day. Waterfowling is truly part of the way of life in this part of the world. That tradition helps to make this a special place. There is a reason this area is such an important place in the history of North American waterfowling.

Is there a specific area you specialize in? Can you share with us what a typical day looks like for you with that specialty? 

I help to deliver our on-the-ground conservation program here in the Chesapeake Bay area. I am responsible for delivering our wetland conservation projects and putting habitat on the ground. This involves working closely with partners, such as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands. Once a project is identified, I work with our partners and our engineering team to take the project from start to finish. I help take a project from funding, through the design process, and finally to the construction of the wetlands. On any given day I may be out doing a site visit to evaluate a potential project, writing a grant proposal to fund a project, writing permit applications, or helping our engineering team with construction management.

What is one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on in the region? 

My favorite project is generally the next one I am working on! Currently, I am excited for a project in southern Maryland that will restore 40 acres of wetland on public land in the southern Eastern Shore of Maryland. It’s a little further south than the Susquehanna Flats, but this project will create some high-quality managed wetlands that I’m sure will get used heavily by ducks. I can’t wait until it is built, and the ducks find it!

What motivates you to continue your research and conservation efforts? 

I have been a passionate duck hunter since I was a kid. Hunting with my father and grandfather helped instill in me a deep love for wetlands and waterfowl. They also gave me a conservation ethic that has guided me throughout my life. The work we do with Ducks Unlimited is important to make sure we have waterfowl-filled skies forever. I want people in the future to have the same opportunities to enjoy the resource that I am so lucky to have now. I also strongly believe that a healthy society needs a healthy environment. The water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we breathe all hinge on a healthy ecosystem. Our mission is focused on ducks, but the work we do also benefits people greatly.

To learn more about Ducks Unlimited or find your local DU chapter, visit www.ducks.org. Be sure to check out the Ducks Unlimited x GUNNER collection.

GIVING BACK

For every Susquehanna Kennel or Food Crate that our GUNNER customers purchase, we will be giving a portion of proceeds back to the Ducks Unlimited R. Madison Mitchell chapter. In addition, when customers choose to donate $1 at checkout to the organization, GUNNER will equally match that donation in honor of the customer's gift.