Brian Boucher – Volunteering with DUC – Communicating Sustainability

Brian Boucher of Fredericton, N.B. believes that long-term environmental sustainability can be achieved in balance with the socio-economic needs of a community. For nearly a decade, he has played a leadership role in communicating the importance of wetland sustainability through his volunteer role with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). Boucher has been a strong advocate for connecting youth with nature and engaging them in understanding science-based approaches to environmental sustainability.

Now 30, Boucher first joined DUC when he was 22 because he admired the science-based research and applications of the organization. Since then he has been an active member of the DUC Fredericton fundraising committee as well as a regular supporter of the Project Webfoot Program – a DUC curriculum-based wetland education program for students of all ages.

“Through their science-based approach, DUC, and the partnerships they form, proves that socio-economic and environmental interests can co-exist to create a balanced community,” says Boucher. “Meeting multiple interests means that we have strong support from a diverse group of people of all ages – this is a key driver for sustainable wetland restoration and conservation.”

“The volunteer support of individuals like Brian is crucial for DUC,” says Becky Cowen, DUC assistant fundraising manager in New Brunswick. “He has a ‘can-do’ attitude and is always encouraging young people to learn about DUC by attending a dinner or volunteering their time.”

“National Volunteer Week is our chance to honour our nearly 7,000 volunteers across Canada, and in particular, our young volunteers who are introducing a whole new generation to DUC,” says Loraine Nyokong, DUC national director of fundraising and membership. “Volunteers like them are the ‘rising stars’ of our organization. The fact that they recognize the importance of wetland conservation and are spreading the word is fantastic, not only for DUC, but for all Canadians.”

“I really enjoy the educational component of DUC,” says Boucher. “We are encouraging our future leaders to spend more time outdoors. We are not only presenting the facts, we are providing our youth with the tools needed to go out and discover nature’s facts on their own.”

With the support of volunteers like Boucher, DUC recently completed its Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign – the largest conservation fundraising campaign ever undertaken in North America. Working alongside Ducks Unlimited, Inc. in the United States and Ducks Unlimited Mexico, DUC contributed to waterfowl and wetland habitat conservation, water quality as well as recreational and learning opportunities for people of all ages.

DUC could have not achieved these conservation goals without the generous support of its volunteers and supporters. Boucher and other conservation-minded individuals like him from across Canada will continue to be the driving force behind ongoing efforts to stop wetland loss.