HomeTeen from Summerside Wins National Ducks Unlimited Contest 
Summer Adventure of a Lifetime!
Oak Hammock Marsh MB, Aug. 2 – Shawn MacDonald, 16, of Summerside, Prince Edward Island is the provincial winner of Ducks Unlimited Canada's Great Greenwing Adventure. MacDonald is one of ten teenagers from across Canada who has won an all expenses paid week in Manitoba camping by a restored wetland learning about wetland and wildlife conservation.
MacDonald qualified for the trip by correctly identifying the types of ducks in a photo posted at Ducks Unlimited's Web site. His uncle, a Ducks Unlimited member, suggested he enter.
"I only know about two (duck species) . . . the ones that usually come around my house," MacDonald said. He searched the Internet to identify the remaining species. "I'm surprised I got them all right."
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.
MacDonald is looking forward to exploring a new province and meeting teens from across the country. The Three Oaks Senior High student is a self-confessed wildlife documentary nut. "I wish I could live on Discovery Channel," he said.
Once he arrives in Winnipeg, MacDonald 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. MacDonald is really looking forward to experiencing some new outdoor activities.
"I've never tried most of it," he said. "It's going to be really fun." According to Alvin Dyck, coordinator of the Great Greenwing Adventure, MacDonald is about to embark on an experience that he'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.
