PROTECT AMERICA'S BEAUTIFUL
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE
AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN U.S. CONSERVATION HISTORY
On August 22, 1934, the celebrated American cartoonist, artist and conservationist, Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, made history by purchasing the very first Federal Duck Stamp.
This was an important milestone born out of the urgent need to protect America's dwindling wetlands and was implemented in support of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act.
Darling's iconic design, which featured a pair of mallards hovering above the wetlands, perfectly linked together art and conservation, which helped set the stage for a legacy that still continues today.
THE WETLANDS CRISIS OF THE 1930S
On top of the Great Depression, America faced another major crisis in the 1930s. Years prior, many of the nation's wetlands were drained to create land for agriculture to keep up with the population explosion of the United States.
Unfortunately, a devastating drought hit in the mid-1930s, creating what has come to be known as the American Dust Bowl. This created an agricultural, ecological and economic disaster, which had catastrophic effects on both human and wildlife populations.
These incredible losses led our nation to a newly-realized understanding of the need for land and wildlife conservation.
IMPORTANT TURNING POINT IN CONSERVATION
President Roosevelt responded to this crisis in 1934 by appointing Pulitzer Prize winning artist and renowned conservationist, Jay "Ding" Darling, to a wildlife restoration committee. The primary goal of this initiative was to reclaim the lost wetlands at an increased risk of being destroyed.
Darling's leadership in the Department of Agriculture's "Bureau of Biological Survey" became essential to help drive more awareness about the need for more conservation in America's wetlands.
This eventually led to the creation of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act, which required hunters to purchase a $1.00 "Duck Stamp" that would directly fund habitat protection.
WHAT IS A WETLAND?
Wetlands are a beautiful collection of ecosystems spread across all areas in the United States where land and water sources come together. They can be found in various locations - from coastal areas to inland regions - and provide habitats to countless wildlife species.
Some common types of wetlands in the U.S. include marshes, swamps and bogs that support vital ecosystems of plants and animals that depend on their natural resources.
WHY ARE WETLANDS IMPORTANT FOR OUR ECOSYSTEMS?
These complex ecosystems provide a variety of benefits for our planet and all the inhabiting wildlife.
IMPORTANT WILDLIFE HABITATS
Wetlands are critical ecological habitats teeming with life. They provide essential food, shelter and breeding grounds for various species. Fish rely on wetlands to spawn and mature, while birds depend on them as nesting spots and important rest stops along their migration routes.
FLOOD PROTECTION
The wetlands' vegetation and soils help absorb excess rainwater and overflowing rivers. This slows down floodwaters and spreads them out over a wider area. This helps to reduce the damage and destruction from natural disasters - protecting homes, businesses and vital infrastructure.
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Wetlands act like natural water filters for our planet. The plants and dense soils that comprise the wetlands trap pollutants and sediment before reaching larger waterways. This filtration process helps maintain healthy rivers, lakes and our drinking water sources.
GREAT PLACES FOR RECREATION
These unique habitats are perfect for birdwatching, fishing and camping. Many protected wetlands have wildlife refuges and hiking trails to enjoy. Some locations host festivals and events throughout the year, making them popular destinations for vacationing families and nature enthusiasts.
IMPORTANT FACTS
ABOUT THE WETLANDS
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Even though wetlands only cover 6% of the Earth's surface, they are home to over 40% of all plantlife and animal species.
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Healthy wetland habitats can successfully remove up to 90% of the pollutants from connected water sources.
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More than 1 billion people worldwide depend on the wetlands for their livelihoods.
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Since 1970, the world has lost 35% of its wetlands coverage due to extreme weather events and pollution.
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Not all wetlands are actually "wet" year-round since water levels can change dramatically because of season changes.
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Wetlands are a major source of carbon since peatlands store twice as much of this natural resource by themselves as the world's forests combined.
WILDLIFE REFUGE SPOTLIGHT:
CADDO LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
ABOUT THE REFUGE
Established in 2000, Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 8,493 acres of vital East Texas ecosystems. This sanctuary preserves a beautiful collection of habitats, including the legendary Caddo Lake, made up of cypress-draped bayous and rich bottomland hardwood forests. The refuge's focus is on the management, conservation and protection of migratory birds, as well as the preservation of the diverse resident fish and wildlife species that call this place home.
Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge holds international significance, with its wetlands recognized by the Ramsar Convention. Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or drawn to the wonders of the natural world, Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique opportunity to experience a remarkable piece of Texas's outdoor heritage.
ADDRESS
(903) 679-9143
15600 Highway 134
Karnack, TX 75661
WILDLIFE SPECIES
- Peregrine Falcon
- Wood Ducks
- Prothonotary Warblers
- Cooper's Hawk
- Red-Winged Blackbird
- Northern Pintail
- Henslow's Sparrow
- American Wigeon
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat
AREAS OF FOCUS
The refuge uses a science-based approach to land management to ensure a thriving ecosystem for wildlife and visitors. Within the wildlife refuge, specific areas are designated as wilderness, focusing on minimal human intervention.
A primary focus of the refuge is restoring the upland Pineywoods to their historical state as a fire-tolerant pine savannah forest. This involves thinning and controlled burns to help create a more open landscape ideal for species like the red-headed woodpecker and Bachman's sparrow.
THINGS TO DO
Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers fantastic opportunities to connect with nature. Visitors can go birding and look for the refuge's diverse wildlife. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas and horseback riding trails.
The surrounding Caddo Lake is perfect for exploring by kayak or canoe and beautiful biking areas. Hunting is also permitted in select areas by permit only for both big and small game.
WHY YOU SHOULD PURCHASE A DUCK STAMP
Do Your Part and Get Awarded Access
To Some of Nature's Most Exquisite Playgrounds
SUPPORTING DIVERSE WILDLIFE
While waterfowl are the program's namesake, the Duck Stamp's impact extends far beyond just ducks and geese. The protected wetlands provide a vital habitat for a wide array of species. Your Duck Stamp purchase is an investment in the health and diversity of our wildlife for generations to come.
FUNDING CONSERVATION
The Duck Stamp isn't just for hunters - it's a powerful symbol with a rich history of duck hunting and waterfowl conservation. Duck Stamps have raised over $1 billion for habitat protection, with 98% of all proceeds helping to preserve wetlands and grasslands across the United States.
SAVING WETLANDS AND GRASSLANDS
The history of waterfowl hunting is deeply connected to the protection of wetlands and grasslands. These habitats are essential for ducks and geese, and their decline spurred the creation of the Duck Stamp program. By purchasing a Duck Stamp, you directly contribute to the preservation of these vital ecosystems while also ensuring ethical hunting practices.
BEAUTIFUL WILDLIFE ART
Each Duck Stamp showcases stunning wildlife artistry. The annual design is chosen through the only art contest sponsored by the U.S. government and has been a tradition since 1949. By owning a stamp, you become part of this artistic heritage and support the artists who capture the beauty of our wildlife.