HomeTeen from Wabush Wins National Ducks Unlimited Contest 
Summer Adventure of a Lifetime!
Oak Hammock Marsh MB, Aug. 2 – A keen science teacher has given Katlyn Batstone, 13, of Wabush, Newfoundland, an opportunity of a lifetime. Batstone is this year's provincial winner of Ducks Unlimited Canada's Great Greenwing Adventure. She will join nine teenagers from across Canada for an all expenses paid week in Manitoba camping by a restored wetland learning about wetland and wildlife conservation.
To win the contest, Batstone had to correctly identify the duck species in a photo. She was directed to the contest by her science teacher. "It was because of my science teacher, Mrs. Murphy-Gilbert," Batstone said. "I wouldn't have known about it if it weren't for her."
The annual Great Greenwing Adventure, August 11 to 17, is a component of Ducks Unlimited Canada's Greenwing youth education program. The event first started in 1995 to reward keen, young naturalists with hands-on learning experiences that solidify commitments to wetland conservation.
"I thought it was an excellent opportunity for people to learn about the wetlands," Batstone said. "It could possibly be a future changing experience." Once she arrives in Winnipeg, Batstone will travel 20 minutes north of the city to Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, recognized as the country's best outdoor site by Attractions Canada. The marsh will serve as home base for the adventurers while they travel to activities that include duck and songbird banding, monster catfish fishing, canoeing, archery, wilderness survival, radio telemetry and orienteering.
"I'm really excited about everything," Batstone said. "This will be completely different from everything around here. I am really interested in the ducks . . . and how to conserve the wetlands."
According to Alvin Dyck, coordinator of the Great Greenwing Adventure, Batstone is about to embark on an experience that she'll remember years from now.
"Many of our past winners said they had the best time of their lives at our camp," Dyck said. "For some, it has sparked an interest in pursuing a career in biology and conservation. Participants learn about wetlands first hand, experiencing wetlands as biologists, researchers and outdoorspeople would. We hope that in addition to having a lot of fun, they take away a greater appreciation for the values that wetlands offer wildlife and people."
Ducks Unlimited's Greenwing youth education program has been running for over 20 years. Over 9,000 youths in Atlantic Canada are enrolled in the program.
