Eganville teen selected for eco-adventure of a lifetime

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 8, 2007—When Aaron Hitchins of Eganville, ON continues his studies this fall, he’ll be able to look back on a summer that included the eco-adventure of a lifetime. Selected scores of applicants, Hitchins 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.

16-year-old Hitchins, an avid outdoorsman who spends most of his free time hunting, fishing and volunteering for conservation-related experiences in his community, was thrilled to be chosen for the 2007 GGA. “From the time we’ve had here I couldn’t ask for much more,” he said. “I just hope the ducks appreciate it as much as we do! It gives you a whole new appreciation of why we give the money and spend the time supporting conservation.”

Hitchins said one of his favourite experiences of the GGA was banding ducks, but he also enjoyed visiting the area, making new friends, and particularly seeing conservation staff at work. “It gives you an idea of what to do [for a career], such seeing what a biologist does, day to day. It doesn’t take long to figure out if you would like a job when you see it in action.”

In addition to his participation in the GGA, Hitchins has taken many steps towards achieving his dream of completing his PHD in a biology-related field. He is the Team Captain for Avery Youth Field Staff (a team of youth representatives for the waterfowl product manufacturer); recently graduated from the outdoor education and research biology program at Opeongo High School (Opeongo’s Special Program in Research Ecology for Youth); achieved milestone placement with his team in the provincial Envirothon competition; and was selected as a cooperative education student for his local Ministry of Natural Resources.

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.”

Hitchins said that more youth need to maintain a passion for the outdoors. “Now is the time for conservation,” he said. “Wetlands are one of the most biodiverse areas, there’s no where else that has that concentration and variety of life.”

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