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Winnipeg teen flocks to Great Greenwing Adventure 
Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 23, 2006—When Lauren Bessey of Winnipeg, Man. returns to school this fall, she’ll be able to look back on a summer that included the eco-adventure of a lifetime. Selected from over 80 applicants, Bessey joined nine other lucky teenagers from across Canada and two from the U.S. to participate in Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Great Greenwing Adventure.
Based at Oak Hammock Marsh from August 12 to 18th, the group of teens were treated to an action-packed week full of outdoor activities and environmental learning, sponsored by DUC. They took part in exciting activities like duck and bird banding, radio telemetry, canoeing, GIS geocaching, hiking, fishing, wilderness skills and much more, all under the guidance of DUC scientists, experts from other agencies and Oak Hammock Marsh interpreters.
Applicants were required to write an application outlining the outdoor and environmental activities they have participated in, and why they felt they should be part of the 2006 Great Greenwing Adventure team. Bessey, 17, described her love of the outdoors and her participation in activities like hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping and hiking. She also volunteers for a variety of programs through a leadership program at her school.
Spending so much time outdoors has given Bessey a deep appreciation for wildlife and the environment. She considers the Great Greenwing Adventure a rare opportunity to glimpse her possible future, saying “it was neat to see the interpreters and scientists work. It narrowed down my thoughts of what I want to do and made it easier for me to understand what it’s like.” Bessey is not sure what she wants to do after high school but is interested in veterinary medicine or environmental studies. “I’m just taking everything I can right now, like the Great Greenwing Adventure, to see what I like” she said.
Now in its twelfth year, the annual camp was created to reward keen, young naturalists—who are tomorrow’s conservation leaders and decision-makers—with a fun-filled, hands-on learning adventure that teaches them skills and instills in them a lifelong appreciation for wetlands, wildlife and conservation.
“The Great Greenwing Adventure puts teens in touch with nature, and with other young people from across Canada that share their interests,” said Dr. Rick Wishart, DUC’s director of education. “Some of our participants have gone on to studies and careers in conservation and related fields. Our goal is not only to provide the teens with a week of fun, but to instil in them a greater knowledge, understanding and appreciation for wetlands and our environment, and the need for conservation.”
Meeting new people who have the same interests as herself has been a great experience for Bessey. She encourages other teens to apply next year, saying: “It’s a great opportunity to see places you haven’t been to or see wildlife you haven’t seen. You get to learn and get new experiences.” Information about the 2007 Great Greenwing Adventure will be posted on DUC’s website in February.
Since 1938, DUC has worked to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats—nature’s water filters—also benefit other wildlife and people.
For more information:
Leigh Patterson
National Media Relations Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Tel: (204) 467-3306
E-mail: l_patterson@ducks.ca
