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Sherwood Park teen flocks to Great Greenwing Adventure in Manitoba 
Oak Hammock Marsh, Man., August 23, 2006—When Tom Moeller of Sherwood Park, Alta. returns to school this fall, he’ll be able to look back on a summer that included the eco-adventure of a lifetime. Selected from over 80 applicants, Moeller joined 9 other lucky teenagers from across Canada and two from the U.S. to participate in Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) Great Greenwing Adventure.
Based at Oak Hammock Marsh from August 12 to 18th, the group of teens were treated to an action-packed week full of outdoor activities and environmental learning, sponsored by DUC. They took part in exciting activities like duck and bird banding, radio telemetry, canoeing, GIS geocaching, hiking, fishing, wilderness skills and much more, all under the guidance of DUC scientists, experts from other agencies and Oak Hammock Marsh interpreters.
Applicants were required to write an application outlining the outdoor and environmental activities they have participated in, and why they felt they should be part of the 2006 Great Greenwing Adventure team. Moeller, 13, described himself as a “nature person” who enjoys fishing, hunting, identifying wildlife and admiring nature. He also takes part in an outdoor education course through his school, which helps expand his understanding of conservation and the environment, wildlife management, and hunting ethics.
“I thought it would be a lot of fun. I wanted to learn new things and learn more about conserving wetlands and wildlife,” Moeller said, explaining why he applied for the Great Greenwing Adventure. Attending the camp had an immediate impact on Moeller, who said that it made him “think differently about the environment and how we have to help it.”
Now in its twelfth year, the annual camp was created to reward keen, young naturalists—who are tomorrow’s conservation leaders and decision-makers—with a fun-filled, hands-on learning adventure that teaches them skills and instills in them a lifelong appreciation for wetlands, wildlife and conservation.
“The Great Greenwing Adventure puts teens in touch with nature, and with other young people from across Canada that share their interests,” said Dr. Rick Wishart, DUC’s director of education. “Some of our participants have gone on to studies and careers in conservation and related fields. Our goal is not only to provide the teens with a week of fun, but to instil in them a greater knowledge, understanding and appreciation for wetlands and our environment, and the need for conservation.”
Moeller encourages anyone who is interested in nature and the outdoors to apply for the camp next year because “it’s a lot of fun and you learn new things.” A self-proclaimed animal lover, Moeller plans to work with wildlife or the environment when he completes high school and is considering a career in herpetology – the study of snakes. Information about the 2007 Great Greenwing Adventure will be posted on DUC’s website in February.
Since 1938, DUC has worked to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats—nature’s water filters—also benefit other wildlife and people.
For more information:
Leigh Patterson
National Media Relations Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Tel: (204) 467-3306
E-mail: l_patterson@ducks.ca
