Great Lakes Wild Duck Sanctuary & Wild Duck Organics L3C

Looking for Sanctuary farm - a place to rescue, rehabilitate, and then release wild mallard ducklings in the Great Lakes region while advancing sustainable agriculture and wetland restoration.

Preferred location: Genesee, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Wayne

Desired Transitional Agreement: Farm Seeker/Farm Owner Partnership, Lease, Lease to buy, Mentorship, Working arrangement with future partner

Nov 18, 2025

Each year - thousands of wild mallard ducklings are displaced by lack of natural habitat

Desired Acreage

  • < 1 Acres
  • 1-5 Acres
  • 5-10 Acres

Desired Infrastructure

  • Barns or other facilities
  • Electrical Access
  • Farmer Housing
  • Farm Equipment
  • Fencing
  • Irrigation/Water Access
  • Road access

Desired Land Usage

  • Bees
  • Flowers
  • Grains
  • Hay
  • Organic crops

Goals, Values, Vision

Business Plan: Great Lakes Wild Duck Sanctuary

Executive Summary

The Great Lakes Wild Duck Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization, pending IRS approval, based in Michigan, founded by Lorrie L. Thomas. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release orphaned and injured wild mallard ducks across the Great Lakes region. Through dedicated care, public education, and environmental stewardship, we aim to protect mallard populations and preserve their natural habitats.

Mission Statement

To provide a safe haven for orphaned and injured wild mallard ducks in Michigan, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, and successful release back into their natural environments. We strive to educate the public on wildlife conservation, coexistence, and the importance of wetland ecosystem preservation.

Organizational Overview

The Great Lakes Wild Duck Sanctuary will operate as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, committed to wildlife rehabilitation and environmental conservation. Operations include a small wildlife care facility, partnerships with veterinarians, and collaboration with local wildlife agencies and conservation groups.

Farming Status

Current Farming Status

Not currently farming, Current active business plan

Farm Experience/Education

No experience farming

Mentoring

I am seeking mentorship

Farming Plans and Practices

Farming Method

Certified Organic, Organic Practices

Name:
Great Lakes Wild Duck Sanctuary

Location Goal:
Rural property near a freshwater lake or wetland in the Great Lakes region, with access to water sources and agricultural partnerships.

Programs:

  1. Rescue & Rehabilitation: Intake of orphaned, abandoned, or injured wild mallard ducklings. Veterinary care, specialized housing, and rehabilitation protocols leading to release into protected wetland habitats.
  2. Feed Processing & Production: On-site milling and blending of locally sourced organic grains — corn, soybean, rice, and wheat — into nutritionally balanced feeds.
  3. Community Feed Sales: Sell surplus organic duck and poultry feed to local farmers, backyard poultry keepers, and conservation groups.
  4. Education & Outreach: Workshops, volunteer programs, and school partnerships to promote conservation and sustainable living.

Financial Plan

The Great Lakes Wild Duck Sanctuary will be funded through donations, grants, fundraising events, and corporate sponsorships. 

Revenue Cycle:

  1. Purchase local organic grains.
  2. Process into feed blends.
  3. Use for sanctuary operations.
  4. Sell surplus to public.
  5. Reinvest proceeds into additional grain purchases and improved equipment.

Partnerships

  • YOU!
  • Wild Duck Organics L3C
  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Local veterinarians and wildlife hospitals
  • Michigan conservation nonprofits and land trusts