Saskatoon teen selected for eco-adventure of a lifetime

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 8, 2007—When Brandon Martin of Saskatoon 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, Martin 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.

15-year-old Martin, an avid hunter and fisher, wanted to broaden his environmental experiences with a trip to the GGA. “I love the outdoors and wanted to learn about animals, bugs, plants, wetlands…it just fascinates me!” he said enthusiastically. “I want to know what’s going on out there other than hunting and fishing.” Martin’s love of the outdoors has naturally led him to care about the health of the environment. He volunteers to clean up litter in his neighbourhood and wants to be a conservation officer or veterinarian after graduating university.

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.”

Duck banding was one of Martin’s favourite activities at the GGA, and he encourages other youth to apply. “If I would’ve known how sweet it was, I would’ve done it in a heartbeat,” he said.

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