Richmond’s historic Lamar-Calder House has a new tenant – Ducks Unlimited, an organization dedicated to conserving wetlands and waterfowl throughout the U.S. and around the world.

What was formerly the home to the Richmond Sheriff’s Office is now home to the world’s leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation, DucksUnlimited. The private, non-profit organization has approximately 45,470 members in the state of Texas and has conserved over 184,566 acres in Texas alone. Their mission is to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited began in 1937 and has been serving Texas since the 1980’s. According to Merendino the group works with a variety of people including private landowners, state parks, wildlife refuges and other public groups and organizations. He also shared that the non-profit organization is funded by grants and donations, with a budget of about $2.5 million for the current fiscal year.

There are two upcoming events benefitting Ducks Unlimited in surrounding areas. On February 6, 2010 the 3rd Annual Puddle for the Ducks Bicycle Ride will take off from Katy Mills Mall at 7:00am. With three different routes of 25, 37 or 45 miles and a metric century (70 mile) route, there will be entertaining rest stops, duck calling and dog demonstrations, with a finish that includes special drawings, beverages, and a light lunch, all serving to make this one of the most fun and exciting rides in Houston this year. On February 19 the neighboring Pearland community will host the Pearland/Friendswood Ducks Unlimited Dinner at 6:00pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Pearland, TX. This is a banquet style dinner to benefit Ducks Unlimited.

To learn more about Ducks Unlimited, to find out where Texas Ducks came from, where all the funds for DU go, or to get info on hunting, conservation, becoming a member of DU and much more, you can visit www.ducks.org.