EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) announced on Feb. 10 a $162,500 commitment to Ducks Unlimited’s America’s River Initiative in support of the White River National Wildlife Refuge Restoration Project in eastern Arkansas.
The contribution will help restore and enhance more than 640 acres of bottomland hardwood and moist-soil wetlands within one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley.
This project’s habitat objectives were developed through a biological planning process that addresses the long-term needs of waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds and forest-breeding birds as well as other wetland-dependent wildlife. Project partners include Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, First Horizon Foundation, Walker Foundation, America’s River Initiative sponsors and a private landowner.
“Protecting and restoring healthy ecosystems is essential to the long-term vitality of the communities we serve,” said Christi Calabrese, Senior Director Permitting and Environmental Affairs at EDP Renewables North America. “Our support of Ducks Unlimited and the White River National Wildlife Refuge Restoration Project reflects our commitment to conservation, responsible land stewardship and partnerships that deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.”
Historically, bottomland hardwood forests and forested wetlands covered much of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, providing essential habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife. Today, only about 20% of those wetlands remain. The White River National Wildlife Refuge — spanning more than 160,000 acres along the White River near St. Charles, Arkansas — represents one of the largest remaining contiguous tracts of mature bottomland hardwood forest in the region and is a vital stronghold for waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds and forest-breeding species.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this inaugural gift from EDP Renewables,” said Andi Cooper, director of foundation Relations at Ducks Unlimited. “The White River NWR is a significant gem in the Natural State’s outdoor recreation crown, and corporate partners like EDP are increasingly investing in such places because they recognize their value for wildlife, people and local economies.”
EDPR NA’s donation will support the installation of new levees and water-control structures, enabling refuge managers to better regulate the timing, duration and depth of flooding — conditions that are critical to maintaining diverse plant communities and productive foraging habitat for waterfowl. Improved management will increase the refuge’s wildlife carrying capacity while also supporting hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities.
Engineering and design for the project are expected to wrap up this summer, with construction slated for fall 2026 through summer 2027.
EDPR NA is a developer and operator of reliable, affordable, domestic clean energy in Arkansas.
