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DUC awards 2024 Wetland Centre of Excellence scholarships to three outstanding students

June 03, 2025 National
DUC awards 2024 Wetland Centre of Excellence scholarships to three outstanding students
Canada's leader in wetland and biodiversity education. / L'avenir de la conservation des milieux humides commence ici.

June 2, 2025 – Stonewall, M.B. – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2024 Wetland Centre of Excellence (WCE) Scholarships.  

The WCE Scholarship program offers up to three $2,500 awards to outstanding students dedicated to wetland conservation. The scholarship supports post-secondary studies in environmental disciplines such as biology, geography and natural resources management. Applicants are evaluated on community involvement and a demonstrated passion for environmental stewardship.  

The following students each received a $2,500 scholarship in recognition of their outstanding leadership, environmental stewardship and hands-on commitment to wetland conservation.

Maija Fotr (Burlington, ON)
A graduate of Aldershot School’s ECO Studies program and participant at the Royal Botanical Gardens WCE, Maija earned her scholarship through immersive fieldwork—canoeing across marshes, studying invasive species firsthand and supporting experiential wetland learning. She is currently enrolled in environmental sustainability at Lakehead University.

Makaela Gilbert (Aylmer, ON)
A graduate of East Elgin Secondary School’s Environmental Leadership Program (ELP), Makaela demonstrated exceptional leadership during canoe excursions and as a mentor at MarshQuest. Honoured previously as ELP Leader of the Year, she is now pursuing ecosystem management studies at Fleming College.

Nout Geurts (Charlottetown, PEI)
A student at Charlottetown Rural High School’s WCE, Nout has been an enthusiastic mentor and environmental advocate. His efforts include invasive species removal, installing silt-control brush mats, leading local field trips and volunteering with community watershed initiatives. He is currently studying biology at the University of Prince Edward Island while exploring Marine Science opportunities abroad.

“Our Wetland Centres of Excellence empower students like Maija, Makaela and Nout to lead restoration projects, share knowledge and develop a lifelong conservation ethic,” says Dr. Rhonda McDougal, National Director of Science and Education. “Their achievements are exactly what this scholarship was created to recognize.” 

Thanks to DUC’s WCE scholarship program, students like these are better positioned to pursue post-secondary studies in environmental or science-related programs and nurture their passion for wetland conservation.

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