SCIPIO - What began in the 1930s as a way for a group of avid waterfowl hunters to aid in the preservation of wetlands and the waterfowl habitat, has since become one of the United States' largest wetland conservation preservation organizations.

Ducks Unlimited boasts more than 800,000 members across the country and has helped to save more than 10 million acres of wetlands in its more than 70 years as a recognized organization.

“We work to protect existing wetlands and restore the habitat of the waterfowl,” said Tom Humberstone, a member of the Skaneateles Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, during the organization's annual fundraising dinner held at Club 34 in Scipio Sunday afternoon. “We are the largest organization of its kind in the United States.”

Humberstone is also a former New York State Chairman of Ducks Unlimited.

The annual dinner is the organization's only formal meeting, according to Humberstone, but it has informal events and gatherings throughout the year.

This year's dinner was also a special event for the group as they remembered a treasured member of the organization.

Ed Cooper, who passed away this past November, was an avid member of the group for many years, according to Humberstone.

“This dinner is a tribute to him and his involvement,” he said.

“We like to call it an Ed Cooper tribute event,” said Dan Delawyer, also a member of Ducks Unlimited.

The dinner was expected to raise approximately $4,000, which will be used to preserve and improve local wetlands.

According to the Ducks Unlimited website, the United States loses 80,000 acres of wetlands annually due to human habitation and development.

The organization works to conserve, restore, and manage these wetlands.

Humberstone said that there are about 100 Ducks Unlimited Chapters throughout New York state. The Skaneateles Chapter boasts approximately 100 members, Humberstone said.

Becoming a member of the organization gives individuals the tools necessary to not only help to protect and preserve wetlands and waterfowl habitats, but also the knowledge of responsible hunting to keep the sport alive for generations to come.

To learn more

For more info or to become a member contact: Tom Humberstone 685-6819, Mike McPeck 685-4713 or Dan Delawyer (607) 331-8695; www.ducks.org