Learn why feeding ducks harms wildlife and how to enjoy wetlands responsibly in the City of Marion.
Ongoing activity
Glade Crescent Reserve, 28 Glade Cres, Hallett Cove SA 5158, Australia
Free
Feeding ducks at local wetlands might seem like a harmless and fun activity, especially for families with children eager to connect with nature. However, this well-meaning gesture can actually cause significant harm to the ducks and the wetland ecosystem. This guide explains why it’s important to stop feeding ducks and offers alternative ways to enjoy and support our local wetlands.
When visiting Oaklands Wetland, Warriparinga Wetland, or Glade Crescent Reserve, you’ll notice new signage educating visitors about the negative impacts of feeding ducks. Expect to see information on how feeding leads to overcrowding, water pollution, and unhealthy duck behaviors. Instead of feeding, you can enjoy watching the ducks forage naturally and observe their interactions in a healthy environment.
Feeding ducks causes a chain reaction that harms the wetland:
- Overcrowding leads to increased duck waste, polluting water quality.
- Ducks become dependent on human food, losing natural foraging skills.
- Bread and processed foods cause illness and poor nutrition.
- Feeding encourages aggressive behavior and disrupts natural wildlife balance.
- It can lead to crossbreeding, affecting local bird populations’ health.
Instead of feeding, families can explore other engaging activities such as geocaching at Oaklands Wetland, joining local conservation groups for working bees, discovering tree tags with environmental info, or using the iNaturalist app to connect with nature and contribute to biodiversity science.
The key wetlands are Oaklands Wetland, Warriparinga Wetland, and Glade Crescent Reserve, all located within the City of Marion. These sites are accessible for family visits and offer walking, running, skating, or scootering paths. Nearby playgrounds like Cormorant Drive Reserve and Hendrie Street Reserve provide additional fun for children. Conservation parks such as Hallett Cove and Marino Conservation Parks are also great nearby options for nature exploration.
Please remember to:
- Watch ducks without feeding them to protect their health and natural behaviors.
- Keep to designated paths to preserve the wetland environment.
- Educate children on why feeding wildlife can be harmful.
- Participate in local conservation efforts to support wetland health.
The wetlands play a vital role in filtering stormwater and supporting local ecosystems, so protecting them benefits the entire community.
There is no cost to visit the wetlands or participate in self-guided activities like geocaching or walking trails. Some conservation group activities may require prior registration or membership, which can be found on the City of Marion’s website. All activities are family-friendly and open to the public without charge.
