# Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited is an Endowment / Foundation based in Memphis, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Memphis, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Memphis, TN, United States
- **Founded:** 1937
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** ducks.org
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/ducks-unlimited

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Ducks Unlimited was established in 1937. Adam Putnam holds the CEO role. The organization functions as a nonprofit dedicated to wetlands conservation rather than family wealth management. Its activities center on land acquisition and habitat management in the Prairie Pothole Region, Great Plains, and Boreal Forest. Asset classes include conservation land in the US and Canada plus easement portfolios. Confirmed partners include the James M. Cox Family through a $100M commitment and Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops. Geographic reach covers the United States and Canada. The entity maintains the Wetlands America Trust endowment and headquarters at 1 Waterfowl Way in Memphis. It holds membership in the Land Trust Alliance via the trust and serves as a facilitator for the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. No recent operational events from the last 24 months appear in available records. The structure separates operating conservation work from the Wetlands America Trust endowment vehicle, creating a dedicated philanthropic arm that channels donor capital into land and easement transactions.

## Sectors

- Infrastructure

## People

- Adam Putnam — CEO
- Steve Maritz — Chairman of Wetlands America Trust

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Ducks Unlimited?

Adam Putnam serves as CEO. Steve Maritz chairs the Wetlands America Trust, which holds endowment assets for conservation work.

### Does Ducks Unlimited participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The organization executes direct land purchases, conservation easements, and habitat projects. It does not commit to external funds.

### What geographic regions does Ducks Unlimited cover?

Operations focus on the United States and Canada, with emphasis on the Prairie Pothole Region, Great Plains, and Boreal Forest.

### How is Ducks Unlimited related to Wetlands America Trust?

Wetlands America Trust serves as the endowment vehicle that receives and deploys donor capital for conservation land and easements.

### Which major donors have committed capital to Ducks Unlimited?

The James M. Cox Family provided a $100M commitment. Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops maintains a long-term partnership as a donor.

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Updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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