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Saskatchewan children learn about the value of wetlands through a hands-on education program offered by DU.
Wetland Education Gets Big Boost 
Saskatoon SK, Sept. 22 – Ducks Unlimited Canadain partnership with SaskPower, announced today that the Wetlands are Wonderlands educational program will be expanded thanks to an increase in funding of $20,000 to $50,000 from SaskPower. The program, which includes classroom sessions and field trips, is offered at no charge to schools throughout the province.
"We are fortunate that because of SaskPower, we can now expect to offer the program to over 250 classes this year, compared to over 123 last year," says Barb Hanbidge, DU Biologist and education coordinator. "Wetlands are absolutely vital to properly functioning ecosystems. Children and teachers alike enjoy exploring wetlands while they learn, in a fun and exciting way, about maintaining a clean, safe and biologically diverse environment."
"The program is an excellent example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships with conservation organizations," says Saskatchewan's Crown Investments Corporation Minister, John Nilson. "It fosters knowledge of the inherent value of wetlands and associated habitats and encourages support for their conservation. We are pleased that SaskPower has been able to help in the expansion of this successful educational program."
"Wetlands filter runoff water and recharge groundwater supplies," Hanbidge added. "They also reduce flooding by absorbing water like giant sponges, then releasing it slowly. In addition, wetlands contribute to a reliable source of clean water for many communities and farm families. And they provide food, space and shelter for a multitude of wildlife, including waterfowl."
Wetlands are also threatened by the spectre of drainage and by invaders such as Lythrum salicaria, commonly known as purple loosestrife. Children taking part in this program learn how to prevent the spreading of this plant and participate in cleaning up our wetlands.
Wetlands benefit people by filtering impurities from water and they moderate the impacts of floods and droughts. Ducks Unlimited Canada is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife and people.
