The Simmons First Foundation has granted $100,000 to Ducks Unlimited in order to support the Big River Park Conservancy project, which is located along the Mississippi River in Memphis and West Memphis.
Retired Simmons Bank CEO Tommy May leads Simmons First Foundation in its mission of building stronger and more vibrant communities. In an effort to improve the lives of children, the foundation provides programs that enhance education and healthcare, and in 2021, Simmons First Foundation established support for environmental efforts to aid conservation and sustainability projects through a $3 million endowment. The Simmons First Foundation helps develop and expand programs, especially those serving underserved areas.
In pledging to raise over $5 million for the Big River Park Conservancy project, the DU is helping in this effort. With donations, the effort to reach this goal is underway. The project will create a new public recreation area between the vibrant downtown of Memphis and growing tourism amenities of West Memphis.
“The Simmons First Foundation is honored to support the mission of Ducks Unlimited,” May said. “Our organizations believe in the power of supporting our communities, and Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres in North America throughout the last eight decades. We are honored to provide a grant which will support the organization’s habitat restoration and conservation efforts and provide a better quality for wildlife and our communities.”
Approximately 1,500 acres of land for the project sits along the western bank of the Mississippi River. Accessible from the nearby interstate, the Levee Trail and downtown Memphis from the Big River Crossing Pedestrian Bridge, the park will provide benefits to both Memphis and West Memphis resident sand visitors – all while inspiring a deeper connection with the Mississippi River and demonstrating the importance of a working river and its floodplain.
It is exciting for DU to have partners like Simmons First Foundation join with us in this project to conserve 1,500 acres along the Mississippi River,” said Amy Batson, chief fundraising officer for DU. “This is a unique opportunity to reestablish this region to benefit wildlife, water quality and a healthy ecosystem.”
While DU’s national headquarters is located in Memphis, it has regional offices throughout the Unites State. Ducks Unlimited has become the largest and most effective private, nonprofit waterfowl and wetlands organization in North America, over the past 85 years.
Photo courtesy of Simmons. Pictured (Back Row): Lawson Plafcan, Cole Plafcan, Dow McVean (Front Row): Brandon Cooper, Matt Reddin, Adam Putnam, Shannon Morgan, Freddie Black
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