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

Find us on social media!

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Listen on these podcast platforms

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• YouTube Music
• YouTube

Visit our website to explore more episodes & water management education.