Camrose teen selected for eco-adventure of a lifetime

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 8, 2007—When James Olson of Camrose, AB 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, Olson 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 Olson couldn’t wait to take part in the GGA. “Wow! A whole week of working directly with biologists combined with outdoor recreation,” he said. “Sounds like a great way to spend a week in the summer. Not only that, it would also be very useful for preparing me for the kind of work I want to do when I finish school.” The avid hunter and fisher plans to study “Renewable Resource Management” when he graduates.

His love of the outdoors has also given Olson a great appreciation for our natural places. “The GGA helps people realize the need for conservation organizations like DUC, and how important wetlands are. They provide habitat for lots of birds, invertebrates, mammals and spawning for fish, plus purify our water,” he said.

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.”

Olson’s favourite parts of the GGA were skeet shooting, fishing, and duck banding, but he encourage teens to apply for the camp next year, saying that’s it’s simply an all-around good thing to get into.

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