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DUC president Jack H. Hole (left) with 2009 Alberta Lieutenant Governor Greenwing Conservation Award winner James Potter.
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Keeping it natural wins Albertan prestigious conservation award 
Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award recipient shows that one man can make a difference
Red Deer, Alta., June 10, 2009 – If James Potter had his way, he would make sure as much of the wetlands, trees, and grasslands around him stay as natural as possible, at least for “as long as the sun shines and the river flows.”
It is this kind of passion for the natural Alberta landscape that Potter was chosen as the recipient of the 2009 Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award. The award is sponsored by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and was presented to Potter by the Honourable Norman L. Kwong, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta at a ceremony in Calgary today. The annual award recognizes Albertans who have shown leadership through activities that benefit wetland conservation.
“Alberta is a beautiful province and I am proud of Albertans like Mr. Potter who are working hard to ensure this natural beauty remains for future generations,” says Jack H. Hole, DUC President. “Mr. Potter is proof that one person can make a difference by conserving wetlands and other natural habitat for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Alberta.”
Potter lives in the Pine Lake area and is an employee of the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA). As part of his work with ACA, Potter manages more than 1,300 nest boxes for ducks, kestrels and owls in the Red Deer area. Conservation is not only a job for Potter, but also a personal passion. Among Potter’s numerous conservation efforts is the restoration of a natural spring at what is now known as Potter’s Seep Heritage Tree Grove. The spring is a water source for the large balsam poplars in the grove, which is believed to be about 100 years old. Located in the Buffalo Lake Moraine Conservation Area north of Stettler, Potter’s Seep is recognized by the Alberta Heritage Tree Project.
“I believe water is the key to all life and conserving wetlands is an important part of that,” says Potter. “Keeping wetlands and the surrounding landscape natural means we can enjoy healthy clean water sources and all the benefits wetlands offer. I always want to do my part for the environment so that the land can provide as much enjoyment, entertainment and solitude to others as it has to me, my family and friends.”
Since 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada has conserved, restored and managed millions of acres of wetlands and associated habitats for the benefit of waterfowl, wildlife and people.
For more information, contact:
Anh Hoang, a_hoang@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Tel: (403) 827-8762
