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Teen Launches National

Effort to Rescue and Raise

Orphaned Ducklings

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Wallace, SD — A South Dakota teen is turning compassion into conservation with a unique new nonprofit that gives  ducklings without hope a second chance at life. Eighteen-year-old Madison Grimm has launched Second Chance Flight, an organization devoted to rescuing and raising wild ducklings from eggs salvaged after nests are destroyed during agricultural activity. Once mature, the birds are released into local wetlands to live a life that had nearly been lost.

 

Madison, the daughter of celebrated wildlife artist Adam Grimm, grew up in the wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region—often called “America’s Duck Factory.” Her passion for waterfowl, hunting, conservation, and hands-on care led her to establish a program that fills a critical gap in waterfowl protection efforts in this vital region.

 

Each spring and summer, countless duck nests are accidentally destroyed during routine farming operations. But instead of ignoring this unfortunate reality, Madison works with local farmers, landowners, and conservationists who contact her when they find viable eggs in damaged or soon-to-be-destroyed nests. She collects the eggs, carefully incubates them, and provides the ducklings with a safe, nurturing environment until they’re strong enough to survive on their own.

 

“Every duckling we raise and release is getting a second chance at life,” Madison said. “None of these birds would have survived without our help, and every life we save adds hope to the future of waterfowl conservation.”

 

In addition to her conservation work, Madison is also a nationally recognized wildlife artist. Among other honors, she has won the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Competition three times and holds national records for both youngest winner and most wins in the history of the program. To view Madison’s artwork, visit 

www.madisongrimmart.com.

 

Her father, Adam Grimm, is likewise no stranger to accolades in the world of waterfowl art. He is one of the most recognized names in contemporary wildlife painting, having won the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp contest three times, including the most recent 2024 competition. He has also twice been named Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year. His work is featured in museums, private collections, and galleries nationwide. To view Adam’s artwork, visit www.adamgrimm.com.

 

Second Chance Flight is already gaining attention for directly addressing a man-made issue with an immediate, practical solution. Rather than asking farmers to change necessary agricultural practices, the program works in collaboration with them to save viable eggs that would otherwise be lost. It’s a cooperative approach that turns potential loss into meaningful conservation.

 

To expand this work, Second Chance Flight is now seeking financial support to help cover the costs of additional incubators, brooding equipment, feed, larger enclosures, and more. Donations also support outreach efforts to connect with more farmers and landowners willing to participate in the rescue program.

 

Supporters can donate online at www.secondchanceflight.com or contact the organization directly to learn more about partnerships, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities.

 

For interviews, images, or additional information, please contact Madison Grimm at

madisongrimm@secondchanceflight.com or 605-670-1147.

 

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About Second Chance Flight

Founded in 2025 by Madison Grimm, Second Chance Flight is a youth-led nonprofit based in Wallace, South Dakota. The organization rescues duck eggs from destroyed nests and raises the ducklings in a safe environment until they can be released into local wetlands. Rooted in a love for wildlife and a belief in hands-on conservation, the nonprofit works to preserve the future of waterfowl—filling the sky one nest at a time.