
November 7, 2024, St. John’s, N.L. – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is celebrating the acquisition of vital urban wetland habitat in the heart of St. John’s, N.L. thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the generosity of residential developer Nosegard Holdings Ltd.
The 4.8-hectare (12-acre) Empire Avenue wetland is located upstream from the much-loved Mundy Pond and was recommended to the City of St. John’s for conservation by the Stewardship Association of Municipalities. In 2020, Nosegard’s owner, Brian Noseworthy, wanted to see the wetland conserved, so he approached DUC about divesting the land. DUC was able to purchase a portion of the land with funding from the National Heritage Conservation Program, and Nosegard Holdings donated the rest.
The acquisition of this property by DUC ensures that the wetland remains intact and maintains its important ecological functions. Not only will it continue to be a haven for wildlife species, including green-winged teal, it will become a key piece of natural infrastructure for the city, helping to filter water and manage flooding in an area of the city undergoing rapid development.