On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Mass Audubon marked a major milestone by hosting its 22nd Annual Duck Derby at Allens Pond. On a crisp autumn morning, 2,580 rubber ducks raced down the Slocum River, each one vying for first place and a shot at victory.
Racing Rubber Ducks Raises Critical Funds
The race began with an exciting launch as staff and volunteers teamed up to drag a giant net full of ducks into the channel and set them free. We're thrilled to report that duck sponsorships raised over $23,000 to support Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program. Every dollar directly protects vulnerable shorebirds and helps restore the coastal habitats we all rely on.
Rest assured—not a single duck was left behind! To protect our waterways and ensure a safe, sustainable race, floating booms were used to keep all ducks within the designated course. After the event, every last duck was carefully collected, cleaned, and securely stored for future races.
Congratulations to Our Winners
We celebrated in style at the Stone Barn at Allens Pond, where FUN 107's Christopher "Gazelle" Arsenault brought the energy as he announced this year’s Duck Derby winners.
Our Grand Prize winner, Ellen from Westborough, MA, sponsored “Maisie,” who paddled her way to a quacktastic first-place finish and first pick of three unique experience-based prizes. Ellen chose the Stone Barn Soiree and is generously donating this experience to the dedicated volunteers of Mass Audubon’s Allens Pond.
Congratulations to all our winners! And thank you to everyone who participated and continues to support Mass Audubon—your involvement fuels our work to protect the nature of Massachusetts.
| Position | Prize | Duck Name | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Place | Stone Barn Soiree | Maisie | Ellen Brezniak |
| Second Place | Picnic with the Barnyard Elite | Quackenduck | Susan Barnett |
| Third Place | Osprey Odyssey | Mack | Kathleen Turner |
| Stealth Duck | Mass Audubon Swag Bag | Iz | Robert Newman |
| Slacker Quacker | Mass Audubon Family Membership | Rothy | Colleen Richards |
Thank You to Our Volunteers, Sponsors, and Participants
A special thanks to all the volunteers who supported this year’s Duck Derby, both leading up to and on race day. Your hard work and dedication make this incredible event possible, and we are deeply grateful for your tremendous support!
We also extend huge thanks to our generous Duck Derby sponsors.
- Wingmates: The Bayside Restaurant and Daniel J. Galli & Associates
- Community Nest: Fiber Optic Center, Inc. and Whaling City Sound
- Additional thanks go to our community partners: South Coast Harvest Festival, South Shore Lobsterfest, and Buzzards Bay Brewing
Their support ensures all duck sponsorship fees directly support Mass Audubon's work.
Members Make a Difference
Your support makes all the difference! If you were not able to join Allens Pond for Duck Derby this year, please consider joining Mass Audubon or donating today to support the Coastal Waterbird Program and protect the nature of Massachusetts.
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