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Lieutenant Governor presents wetland award 
St. John’s, NL, October 23, 2007 – The Honourable Edward Roberts, ONL, QC, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award to Terrence Downey and Neil Dollard. The men from Stephenville Crossing were presented with the award at Government House today for their contributions to wetland conservation and education.
Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited (DU) Canada, the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Award recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated leadership in a project or activity that has contributed to public awareness of wetland conservation, or individuals and groups demonstrating outstanding volunteer service in assisting organizations that benefit wetland conservation.
“The work that we honour today with the Greenwing Award has improved our environment, and thus given us a better quality of life and a better sense of our place in the natural world,” His Honour said.
Nominated by Chief Hayward Young Jr. of the Indian Head First Nation, Downey and Dollard have been conserving wetlands and educating the public for many years.
In addition, to being members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Piping Plover Recovery Team, the men helped convert an open cesspool into a productive habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Their conservation goals did not stop at the small pond, but also included the whole estuary that empties into Bay. St. George. They also continue to educate youth groups and the general public on wetlands.
Their work even put their community on the map for birdwatching when, in 2005, they discovered a Western Reef Heron, a native of Africa. It was the first recorded sighting in Canada and only the second in North America. They passed this on to the world via the internet and within days the community became a hot bed for birdwatchers.
DU Canada conserves, restores and manages wetlands and their habitats for the benefit of North America’s waterfowl. These habitats—nature’s water filters—also benefit other wildlife and people.
For more information contact:
Kelly MacDonald
Atlantic Communications Coordinator
Ducks Unlimited Canada, Atlantic Region
Phone: (902) 667-8726 ext 226
Mobile: (902) 694-0151
Email: k_macdonald@ducks.ca
