A Southeast Massachusetts tradition supporting wildlife, education, and conservation close to home.
For more than 20 years, Duck Derby has been one of Southeast Massachusetts' most unique conservation traditions.
The 2026 Duck Derby will take place on Monday, September 28, 2026 (weather date: September 29), when thousands of sponsored ducks race the tide on the Slocums River for a chance to win exciting prizes—all while supporting wildlife sanctuaries, environmental education, conservation, and community engagement across Southeast Massachusetts.
Sponsor one duck or an entire flock.
The tide decides the winner. You decide the impact.
How It Works
Each sponsored duck is randomly assigned a race number and entered into the Duck Derby.
On race day, thousands of ducks are released and carried along the Slocums River toward the finish line. The first four ducks and the final “Slacker Quacker” to cross the finish line earn prizes, and all winners will be announced and contacted following the race.
Most importantly, every duck sponsored helps support wildlife sanctuaries, environmental education, conservation, and community engagement efforts across Southeast Massachusetts.
And don't worry—all ducks are recovered after the race to help keep the river clean and healthy.
How Many Ducks Would You Like?
Sponsor your racing duck online now through Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 11:55 pm ET. After that, online sales close—so don’t delay! Get a duck in the race starting at just $10 or increase your chances with a package deal.
Quacktastic Quartet — $30
4 Ducks
A great way to boost your odds while supporting wildlife, education, and conservation.
Lucky Seven Ducklings — $50
7 Ducks
One of our most popular flocks for families, friends, and nature lovers.
Score of Splashers — $100
20 Ducks
Make an even bigger splash for nature while giving yourself plenty of ducks to cheer on.
Please read the Duck Derby Official Rules for more information about winner selection, prize claims, and event regulations.
Duck Derby Prizes
First Place: $5,000 Cash Prize
The first duck across the finish line wins $5,000 to use, however the winner chooses.
Second Place: Backyard Habitat Transformation
Learn to create a thriving wildlife-friendly landscape at home or in your community.
Includes:
- Enrollment in Mass Audubon's Sustainable Landscaping Certificate Program
- Mass Audubon Family Membership
- Personalized consultation with a Mass Audubon habitat expert
- Guidance and recommendations to help bring your habitat project to life
Third Place: Coastal Birds Expedition
Experience Massachusetts' remarkable coastal habitats through an exclusive guided outing with Mass Audubon experts.
Includes:
- Access to a protected coastal location
- Guided birding experience
- Behind-the-scenes insight into coastal conservation work
- Seasonal refreshments
Fourth Place: Up Close & Wild
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes introduction to Mass Audubon's animal ambassadors at a participating wildlife sanctuary.
Fifth Place: Slacker Quacker Award
The final duck to cross the finish line doesn't lose—it simply earns a free rematch in the 2027 Duck Derby and a Mass Audubon Swag Bag.
Why It Matters
Every duck sponsored helps care for the places that make Southeast Massachusetts extraordinary.
Your duck sponsorship will help connect people with nature while safeguarding the places that make this region so special—from protecting more than 1,600 acres of coastline, marsh, meadow, and woodland, to leading conservation projects and providing environmental education programs and accessible outdoor experiences.
Become a Quacker Backer
Duck Derby gives local businesses a fun and meaningful way to support the communities where their employees live, their customers explore, and wildlife continues to thrive.
Businesses can help support wildlife sanctuaries, environmental education, conservation, and community engagement across Southeast Massachusetts while receiving recognition through campaign communications, digital promotion, community outreach, and race-related activities throughout the season.
Interested in becoming a Quacker Backer? Contact Carrie Sweigart at [email protected] to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Get Involved
Whether you sponsor one duck or 20, you're helping care for the wildlife, landscapes, and communities that make Southeast Massachusetts such a special place to live, work, and explore.
Follow Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary on Facebook for campaign updates, prize announcements, sponsor spotlights, and race results.
Stay Connected
Don't miss a beat on all the ways you can get outdoors, celebrate nature, and get involved.