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Pauline and Francis Verstraten (left) received the Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award on August 26, 2009 from The Honourable Mayann E. Francis (right).
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Ducks Unlimited Canada honours wetland heroes
Nova Scotia farmers receive Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award
Halifax, N.S., August 26, 2009 – Today a pair of wetland heroes were honoured when Francis and Pauline Verstraten of Amherst were presented with the Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
“The Verstraten Farm is a great example of a successful long-term conservation partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada,” said Gren Jones, provincial director for DUC.
This partnership began in 2001 when the Verstratens approached the non-profit organization to do some conservation planning for the farm. What began with Francis looking at options to protect the quality of the water by fencing cattle and creating remote watering systems led to the creation of a wetland system to clean runoff from the farm and yet another wetland to increase biodiversity. The site has been established as a DUC demonstration wetland and has hosted tours including those for government officials. In addition, the Verstratens host an antique tractor show every year which gives the public a first-hand view of these wetland projects and they donate space for DUC to have a booth at the event as well.
“We want to thank all of partners that helped us along the way, we wouldn’t be here without your help because we couldn’t do this alone,” Pauline Verstraten said. “We believe that care of our land is paramount to our success. We try to farm as environmentally soundly as possible because this is the legacy we will be passing on to our children.”
The Honourable Mayann Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, presented the Verstratens with the award certificate and medal.
“In working closely with Ducks Unlimited, Mr. and Mrs. Verstraten have shown a commendable enthusiasm for conservation and have been true leaders in establishing an environmentally sound and sustainable agricultural operation: an operation that impinges minimally upon the area surrounding their farm,” Her Honour stated. “Your participation in the Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation plan and serving as a national demonstration site has shown a high degree of leadership and responsibility that brings credit to all Nova Scotians.”
The Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award recognizes those who have demonstrated leadership in a project or activity that has contributed to the public awareness of conserving wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl, wildlife and people.
For more information, contact:
Kelly MacDonald, k_macdonald@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Tel: (902) 667-8726 ext 226
