EDP Renewables Donates $162,500 to Ducks Unlimited for White River National Wildlife Refuge Restoration in Arkansas
Arkansas (February 10, 2026)— EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA) announced today 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. This work on the Farm Unit, Demonstration Unit, and Frazier Lake is another successful example of partnership-driven ecosystem management involving state, federal, non-governmental organizations, and private interests. 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 percent 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. EDPR NA’s portfolio in Arkansas includes Crooked Lake Solar (175 MW), powering the equivalent of 28,700 homes and businesses every year, and Cypress Knee Solar (250 MW), which will power the equivalent of 43,400 homes every year upon anticipated completion in 2027 and generate more than $25 million in revenue for local governments and public services.
About EDP Renewables North America
EDP Renewables North America LLC, its affiliates, and its subsidiaries develop, construct, own, and operate wind farms, solar parks, and energy storage systems throughout North America. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with 61 wind farms, 29 solar parks, and eight regional offices across North America, EDPR NA has developed more than 12,800 megawatts (MW) and operates more than 12,100 MW of onshore utility-scale renewable energy projects. With more than 1,000 employees, EDPR NA’s highly qualified team has a proven capacity to execute projects across the continent. For more information, visit www.edprnorthamerica.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation For A Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
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Media Contacts:
Amy Varghese
EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA)
amy.varghese@edp.com
Emily Austin
Ducks Unlimited
eaustin@ducks.org