For those looking to join an Earth-loving club, look no further.

Ducks Unlimited is one of the thousands of clubs Penn State has to offer. The nonprofit organization Ducks Unlimited is a leader in both wetland and waterfowl conservation.

“The Penn State chapter was established because there wasn’t a Ducks Unlimited nearby. With it being so huge, especially within Pennsylvania, we needed some representation here at one of the largest universities in the United States,” chapter President Brooke Phillips said. “We got established just last year with help by our youth coordinator, Haley Faith, and she pretty much got us started.”

Within the first year since the Penn State chapter was established, members have gotten to work in making the start a success.

“We’ve had so many accomplishments this year and a great time doing them,” Phillips said. “One of our main things we have been doing is a lot of volunteering, especially at Shaver’s Creek. A good example of what we’ve done is wood duck box cleaning and maintenance. We’re also currently scheduled to go do some duck banding, as well as adopt an entire trail of duck boxes to take care of.”

On top of the volunteering opportunities, the chapter has been able to host some bonding events.

“Event-wise, we’ve hosted some amazing activities like line dancing, duck decoy painting, and a picnic night,” Phillips said. “We have our first banquet coming up on March 29, and all of the money earned goes directly towards wetland and waterfowl conservation efforts.”

The banquet will be at Boalsburg Fire Hall at 5 p.m., costing $20 per person, and catered by Doan’s Bones. They will have raffles, silent auctions, and games.

Ducks Unlimited was originally established in 1947 during the Dust Bowl when North America’s waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. A small group of sportsmen joined together to form the organization known today as Ducks Unlimited with the mission of habitat conservation.

“We want to just be able to raise awareness on what our club does and that we’re more than just a duck hunting club,” Phillips said. “The overall mission is to fulfill the annual life cycle need of North American waterfowl. We also want to protect, enhance, and manage wetlands and the associated uplands.”

“Not only do these conservation efforts help the waterfowl, but it also helps so many of the other animals within the surrounding areas, because it’s not just ducks who are using these wetlands. Wetlands also act as a filter for how we get some of our clean water,” Phillips said. “It’s absolutely so important to find ways we can serve these wetlands.”

Ducks Unlimited, nationally, has just over 755,000 members who are dedicated to helping ensure the future of North America’s waterfowl and their wetland habitats. Since its founding, it’s raised over $5.7 billion, which has contributed to the conservation of over 14 million acres of wildlife habitats in all 50 states plus Canada and Mexico.

“If you love the Earth, you are a perfect fit for our club. Regardless of major or any experience you have, this can be a place for you,” Phillips said. “A lot of people think you have to be a hunter. You do not at all. Specifically, with the Penn State chapter, we’re open to both undergraduate and graduate students, and honestly, anyone who wants to have a good time making connections with like-minded people.”