Bill Mortlock (right) with fellow DUC volunteer Dan McWilliams. A DUC wetland was dedicated in Mortlock’s name near Peterborough, Ont., last fall.
Bill Mortlock (right) with fellow DUC volunteer Dan McWilliams. A DUC wetland was dedicated in Mortlock’s name near Peterborough, Ont., last fall.
 

Ontario conservationist honoured, local landmark conserved

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Barrie, Ont., February 4, 2010—Bill Mortlock has spent a good portion of his life gazing out upon southern Ontario’s Rice Lake and the surrounding wetland area known as Jubilee Point. But last September, as he stood aboard a paddlewheel boat carrying family, friends and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) staff and supporters, the familiar sights and sounds had a slightly different feel. DUC had purchased the Jubilee Point property to establish a special project to conserve the valuable habitat – and were dedicating the project in his honour.

“The dedication was extremely humbling. I never expected to receive such a distinguished honour,” Bill says. “To be out there in that setting with my friends and colleagues made for a really great day.”

The Mortlock project is a fitting tribute to a true conservationist and one of DUC’s finest supporters. An avid outdoorsman, Bill has been volunteering for DUC for over 25 years. This project will ensure the upland and high-quality wetland habitat located at the mouth of the Otonabee River at Rice Lake is conserved for the benefit of waterfowl, other wildlife and people.

Bill grew up and has lived in the area all of his life. Thanks to the generosity of several local sponsors, a permanent tribute will be constructed on Jubilee Point that recognizes Bill and DUC’s commitment to the area.

Dan McWilliams is one of Bill’s lifelong friends and a fellow DUC volunteer. Dan says when the idea of this project dedication came up, people were eager to get involved.

“The DUC cause is well known and well regarded in Peterborough,” he says. “And Jubilee Point is a focal point in the community. This, combined with the fact that the project was in honour of Bill, a strong community supporter, motivated people to come forward and show their support.”

Bill says, “It’s just a wonderful piece of property that down the road will never be developed or destroyed. And that’s something pretty special.”

For more information, contact:

Lynette Mader, l_mader@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Tel: 705-721-4444

 
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