Kennedy Field Station at East Meadows Protects 8,000 Acres of Wetlands, Grasslands and Wildlife Habitat.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has completed the largest conservation land acquisition in Manitoba's history, securing 8,167 acres of ecologically important wetlands, coastal marshes and grasslands along Lake Manitoba.
Formerly known as East Meadows Ranch, the property will now be called the Kennedy Field Station at East Meadows, recognizing a major contribution from longtime conservation supporter Jim Kennedy and Cox Enterprises. The approximately $9 million acquisition ensures permanent protection of one of Canada's most significant waterfowl and wildlife habitats.
Located at Marshy Point on the southwest shore of Lake Manitoba, about 80 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, the property represents what DUC describes as a once-in-a-generation conservation achievement.
"This property is a living legacy where generations of people and wildlife have been connected through the land," said Pat O'Connor, Chair of Ducks Unlimited Canada's Board of Directors. "This project celebrates Manitoba's conservation roots and secures a future for the wetlands, grasslands and wildlife across one of Canada's most storied natural landscapes."
The acquisition was made possible through contributions from public and private donors, including Cox Enterprises, local philanthropists and the Government of Canada's Natural Heritage Conservation Program.
Deep Roots in Conservation History
The significance of the property extends well beyond its environmental value. East Meadows Ranch has played a notable role in Canada's conservation history for decades.
The land was once operated as a muskrat ranch and was purchased in 1944 by Winnipeg businessman William A. Murphy. Ownership later passed to his son-in-law, Peter Curry, and eventually to Kitson Vincent, who became the property's most recent steward.
According to DUC, Vincent was committed to keeping the property intact and supported its transfer into conservation ownership.
The ranch is perhaps best known as the birthplace of one of Canada's most remarkable wildlife recovery stories: the reintroduction of the Giant Canada Goose, a species once believed to be extinct.
For more than 50 years, the area has also served as an outdoor laboratory for waterfowl research. Graduate students and scientists from across North America have conducted studies examining the breeding ecology of species such as mallards, gadwalls and northern shovelers. DUC plans to continue that scientific legacy under its stewardship.
Important Habitat for Wildlife
The newly protected landscape contains a diverse mix of wetlands, uplands and tallgrass prairie, including more than 800 acres associated with DUC's historic Marshy Point wetland conservation project.
The site lies within a globally recognized Important Bird Area and provides nesting and breeding habitat for a wide range of bird species. DUC says the area can support up to 43 breeding duck pairs per square mile. The habitat is also home to western grebes, trumpeter swans, pelicans, herons, Franklin's gulls, bobolinks, least bitterns and lesser yellowlegs.
Beyond wildlife conservation, the property contributes to broader environmental goals, including biodiversity protection, climate resilience and water management.
"This project represents an incredible opportunity for landscape-level conservation and a major step toward sustaining Manitoba's wetlands for waterfowl, wildlife and communities alike," said Pat Kehoe, DUC's acting Chief Executive Officer. "It delivers on our strategic plan to conserve and restore healthy, sustainable landscapes."
Corporate Partnership Helps Secure Property
A significant portion of the funding came through a landmark conservation commitment announced by Cox Enterprises in 2024.
The company pledged US$100 million to Ducks Unlimited's land conservation trust, Wetlands America Trust, to support habitat protection across North America's prairie region. Part of that investment helped make the Manitoba land purchase possible.
The property's new name honours Jim Kennedy, chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises and former founding president of Wetlands America Trust. Kennedy has been involved with Ducks Unlimited conservation efforts for nearly 55 years.
"Marshy Point is a special place that shows conservation at its best," Kennedy said. "Its wetlands and grasslands provide important habitat for waterfowl and wildlife while giving people the opportunity to explore and connect with the outdoors."
He added that protecting the landscape permanently ensures future generations will be able to enjoy, study and learn from the area.
Community Connection Remains Strong
The nearby community of Lundar has long celebrated its ties to the region's conservation success.
Each year, the town hosts the All Canada Goose Shoot, an event that recognizes the area's wildlife heritage. Visitors are also greeted by an 18-foot Canada Goose statue designed and built by longtime ranch manager Lawrence King, serving as a local symbol of pride and conservation achievement.
With the acquisition now complete, DUC says the Kennedy Field Station at East Meadows will continue supporting wildlife habitat, scientific research and environmental education while preserving an important piece of Manitoba's natural heritage for future generations.
Watch the video below of an overview of the property.