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Sackville teen flocks to Great Greenwing Adventure in Manitoba 
Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 23, 2006—When Justin Richard of Sackville, N.B. returns to school this fall, he’ll be able to look back on a summer that included the eco-adventure of a lifetime. Selected from over 80 applicants, Richard joined nine other lucky teenagers from across Canada and two from the U.S. to participate in Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) 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.
Richard, already an avid volunteer for wetland conservation, came to the Great Greenwing Adventure with a dual purpose. Of course, he was interested in activities like cat fishing and canoeing, but he also plans to put the best part – the learning and experience – to use immediately. Richard, 16, currently volunteers at a DUC Wetland Centre of Excellence, the Tantramar Wetland Centre, in Sackville.
“What I enjoy most about volunteering at the Wetlands Centre is learning new things and then teaching them to our young visitors. The Great Greenwing Adventure is similar to what we do, but also goes beyond it. I want to bring some ideas back for the Centre!”
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.”
The experience had a definite impact on Richard, and he encourages other teens to apply next year. “Definitely apply,” he says, “it’s the best you could ask for – the trip of a lifetime.” Although he’s not entirely decided upon a career path after high school, he is interested in pursuing wildlife biology or environmental sciences. 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
