Dunc and Duncan Sinclair Jr. have made volunteering with Ducks a family tradition.

 

Family Ties – Generations of Ducks Volunteers

Dunc and Duncan Sinclair Jr.

The expression "like father, like son" is one that gets tossed around Dunc and Duncan Sinclair Jr. a lot.

Sharing the family name is the obvious inter-generational connection, but their mutual passion for wetlands is a special tie that’s kept the proverbial apple and tree close over the years. Both are long-time Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) volunteers with Ontario’s Aylmer chapter. Together, they’re keeping the tradition of wetland conservation alive.

For Dunc, knowing his family will enjoy things like quality drinking water, healthy waterfowl populations, and scenic natural surroundings has kept him volunteering with DUC for more than 35 years.

“As users of the earth’s resources, we all should be doing something to give back,” he said. “Volunteering for Ducks allows you to do that. All the work you do comes down to wetland conservation and preservation for future generations.”

It’s not surprising Duncan Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps to become a steadfast Ducks supporter. After spending much of his childhood listening in on chapter meetings held at his house and travelling back-and-forth to fundraising events, becoming a volunteer was only natural.

“There was no question I’d be a Ducks volunteer. Dad did it, so why not me? It was a big part of his life that I was able to join in on,” he said. “I met a lot of friends both locally and nationally when my dad volunteered, and we all seemed to have the same interests and goals.”

Now, as an outdoor educator in the Ontario school system, Duncan too is passing on the lessons of wetland appreciation to up-and-coming conservationists.

“Young people are the key to the future of our wetlands. The more we can expose them to this environment, the greater chance we have at stimulating their interest in it. Being involved with Ducks from an early age certainly did it for me.”

Both agree that volunteering and participating in DUC activities together is a fun and easy way to make conservation part of your family’s legacy.

“Your family and children see what a satisfying experience it is, so they want to become involved too,” Dunc said. “They see the enjoyment in it and begin to realize that the work being done is for them and their children.”

Traditions – whether names, values or ways of life – are passed down in hopes they will continue living on in the hearts and minds of future generations. Dedicated volunteers like the Sinclairs are ensuring the benefits of wetland conservation are among these important things we share.

 
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