Wolfe Island teen selected for eco-adventure of a lifetime

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 8, 2007—When Cody Greenwood of Wolfe Island, ON. 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 scores of applicants, Greenwood got an early start to International Youth Day (Aug. 12) when he joined 9 other youth from across Canada and two from the U.S. to participate in Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC)’s Great Greenwing Adventure (GGA).
Based at Oak Hammock Marsh, the group of teens was selected and fully sponsored by DUC to participate in a challenging and exciting week of adventure and education to develop the skills they’ll need to become the environmental leaders of the next generation. Learning from DUC biologists and conservation experts from other agencies, the 12 enthusiastic teens spent a week studying wetlands, banding birds, using high-tech tools like radio telemetry and GPS, and much more.

“I love the outdoors - everything from camping to hunting and fishing,” 14-year-old Greenwood said, explaining why he applied for the GGA. A strong supporter of DUC and conservation, Greenwood enjoyed bird banding and many other activities, but also emphasized the inspirational aspect of the camp: “It’s important to have hands-on experiences to learn about what everyone is doing to try to help [the environment]. It makes you want to help yourself!”

Now in its thirteenth year, the annual GGA 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 GGA 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. And everyone goes home with new skills and experiences that create a positive impact on their lives.”

Greenwood, who hopes to work for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources promoting hunting and fishing, was thrilled to learn more about how DUC is helping preserve wetlands and wildlife, “so they don’t die off.” He also encouraged other teens to apply for the GGA next year, saying that “Not many people get to do it. You live out many people’s dreams, to come to a different province and spend a week at wildlife camp.”

Information about the 2008 GGA will be posted in February.

For more information please contact:

Leigh Patterson
Corporate Media Relations Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (204) 467-3306
Toll-free: 1-800-665-3825
Email: l_patterson@ducks.ca