Rosedale teen selected for eco-adventure of a lifetime

Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 8, 2007—When Nathaniel Watson of Rosedale, B.C. returns to school this fall, he can look back on a summer that included the eco-adventure of a lifetime. Selected from scores of applicants, 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 from, 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.

14-year-old Watson was excited to explore the Marsh and learn more about the insects that call Oak Hammock home. “I love bugs,” he enthused, saying that he hopes to go into entomology after high school. But as a regular volunteer at his local DUC fundraising dinners, Watson also appreciated the chance to see more of DUC’s wetland restoration and conservation projects on the ground. “What I like about Ducks [DUC] is how they help the environment,” he said, watching as his new friends helped band a duck they had captured in a bait trap. “I’ve learned a lot about wetlands and how they are important for wildlife.”

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.”

Watson’s favourite part of the GGA was skeet shooting, but he encouraged other youth to apply next year for a chance to experience the all of the activities, saying that entire experience was fun.

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