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Mr. Peter Carton, DUC’s Chair or the Board of Directors, Ms. Melanie Elliot 2007 Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award recipient, His Honour Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and Her Honour, Mrs. Naomi Barnhart.
Lieutenant Governor presents wetland conservation award 
Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award recognizes contributions to wetland conservation in Saskatchewan
Regina, Sask., November 9, 2007—Today, Saskatchewanians were able to celebrate another win of the “green” kind on the heels of the Roughrider Grey Cup victory, when His Honour the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, presented the province’s Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award to Melanie Elliott for her dedication to conservation and outdoor education over more than twenty years.
Sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated leadership in a project or activity that has contributed significantly to the public awareness of the values of wetland ecosystems and their benefits to waterfowl, wildlife and people.
Elliott was recognized along with three other nominees from throughout the province, including Murray Bercovich, Ross Madsen and Doreen (Dodi) McGunigal.
“The high calibre of this year’s nominees bodes well for wetlands in Saskatchewan,” said Lieutenant Governor Barnhart. “These habitats are extremely valuable for both wildlife and people, and it is encouraging that committed individuals like Ms. Elliott are working to conserve them.”
A life-long environmental educator, Elliott has dedicated her career to learning about nature and teaching others about the values of wetlands and other wildlife habitats. In 1993, she developed the Ecology Camp for Kids Program for the University of Saskatchewan’s Centre for Continuing and Distance Education – a program which she continues to deliver today. Elliott is an active volunteer with several conservation agencies and her volunteer leadership was key in the preservation of Saskatoon’s Natural Grasslands.
“I’m humbled and honoured to be selected for this award,” says Elliott. “It has been my great privilege – and a ton of fun – to see students visit a wetland for the first time and connect with the outdoors in a way that affects them for the rest of their lives.” She adds, “It gives me great hope for the future of our natural habitats in Saskatchewan.”
“We all need to take responsibility for the care and protection of Saskatchewan, and Canada’s, wetlands,” said DUC chairman Peter Carton. “Organizations, together with the efforts of dedicated individuals, especially Ms. Elliott’s, can be very effective. That’s why this award was established: to recognize the contributions of local stewards and conservationists across Canada.”
For more information contact:
Lori Gasper,
l_gasper@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 665-7356
