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Nova Scotia Habitat Heroes Recognized as Ducks Unlimited Canada Celebrates 65 Years 
Amherst, NS, August 12, 2003—Vernon and Neva Saunders of Aylesford are second-generation farmers whose family has worked the land for more than 50 years. The Saunders have made a living growing vegetables on light, sandy soil. They have a deep respect for water and now, for Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
Initially, the Saunders received a Nova Scotia Provincial Irrigation Grant. They contacted DUC for an evaluation of their property. DUC agreed to construct a deep-water irrigation pond, which will greatly improve the Saunders’ ability to grow vegetables and strawberries. To increase the diversity of their habitat on their marginal farmland, DUC also recommended an addition of three large ponds.
The Saunders are among 1,400 landowners in Atlantic Canada who have chosen to voluntarily partner with DUC to conserve habitat on their land. This year marks 65 years of conservation for Ducks Unlimited Canada. In celebration of this anniversary, DUC is featuring landowners like the Saunders all across Canada. These people form a network of more than 16,000 Canadian landowners who have participated in programs that have saved 1.6 million hectares (4 million acres) of habitat in prime waterfowl habitats targeted by DUC. The Saunders couldn’t be happier with their decision to conserve.
“There is a little brook that weaves its way towards the pond and it looks just like a river meandering towards a lake,” says Neva Saunders of her new wetland. “I love going out to see the gorgeous black ducks and frogs. The aesthetic appearance is unbelievable. Everyday people stop their cars and I can’t tell you how many people have commented on the ponds’ beauty. We couldn’t be happier with DUC’s results.”
DUC created the ponds on the Saunders’ property because there was no permanent water on the wetland due to a man-made drainage ditch. The ponds within the three-hectare meadow create a mosaic of wetland habitats attractive to wildlife. Since 1996, when DUC’s small marsh program began, habitat technician Rob Fraser has been working to build wetlands like the ones on the Saunders property.
“In areas where the land has been altered and a wetland is filled-in like the Aylesford region there are very few bodies of freshwater available for wildlife,” says Fraser. “When DUC restores the wetland it’s like a little oasis in a desert for ducks.” Wildlife species such as frogs, tree swallows, sora rails, waterfowl, muskrats begin to emerge. White-tailed deer also come to the water to drink. And in the winter, wetlands make great places to skate.
Seventy-five percent of the land in Nova Scotia is privately owned and over the past 30 years, DUC has been able to work in partnership with numerous landowners to conserve and restore 13,179 hectares (32,569 acres) of wetlands. Many of these wetlands fall under DUC’s small marsh program. By itself, a one-half to two-hectare (1 to 5 acre) small marsh may not seem to be all that important but when several are located in fairly close proximity, they become important habitat to sustain various wetland dependent wildlife species. DUC’s small marsh program focuses mainly on the agricultural landscapes, because this is where soil and water productivity is highest and there is tremendous potential for small wetland restoration and enhancement.
DUC conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitat for the benefit of North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. If you would like to learn more about DUC’s wetland programs, call Ducks Unlimited Canada at 1-902-667-8726.
