Jerry Holden Jr., Director of the Southern Region for Ducks Unlimited, is celebrated as a Hydro20 honoree for his leadership in wetland restoration and land conservation across the southern U.S., from New Mexico to the Chesapeake Bay.

Overseeing the Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic flyways, Holden leads a diverse team of engineers, biologists, lawyers, surveyors, and accountants at Ducks Unlimited, one of the largest land trusts in the U.S., to protect and restore wetlands critical for water sustainability, aquifer recharge, flood mitigation, drinking water benefits, and climate resilience.

Recognizing the alarming loss of wetlands due to development, Holden drives both large-scale engineering projects and acre-by-acre restoration efforts, including coastal engineering for sea level rise and resilience. His hands-on approach involves “hard and sweaty” work to deliver tangible conservation outcomes. Under his leadership, Ducks Unlimited has achieved record-breaking results, conserving over a million acres annually across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Holden’s transformative initiatives include investing $15 million annually in Louisiana’s wetlands, restoring 79,000 acres after the Deepwater Horizon spill, launching the Rice Stewardship Partnership for sustainable farming, establishing Flyway Forest to improve water quality, and expanding wetland restoration to support the Ogallala Aquifer. The immediate return of wildlife to restored wetlands underscores the impact of his work, providing both ecological and community benefits.

Jerry Holden Jr.’s dedication to wetland conservation and sustainable water management has earned him a well-deserved place among the Hydro20 honorees.