Hundreds of PEI students learn to love wetlands thanks to Wildlife Conservation Fund

May 29, 2023 – Charlottetown, PEI – This week, Grade 4 classes across the province will experience wetland field trips thanks to new support from the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Conservation Fund. With support from Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) staff, field trips will be run by student mentors from Charlottetown Rural High School (CRHS), one of DUC’s Wetland Centres of Excellence.

Over 500 students will get the chance to explore their local wetland, take part in ‘critter dipping’, birding and environmental-themed games at CRHS. A key component of being a designated Wetland Centre of Excellence is the responsibility to mentor younger students in the community and pass on wetland knowledge.

“It will be an exciting experience for both the high school mentors and the Grade 4 classes,” says Katie Scott, outreach specialist for DUC in Atlantic Canada. “Mentees will get to explore the sights, sounds and feelings in a wetland, one of the best outdoor classrooms. For the mentors, it’s a chance to share knowledge and experience the rewards of teaching others.”

The CRHS students are excited for the opportunity to mentor these younger students and are well-versed in wetland ecology. Throughout the year they work to steward their local wetland by planting trees, testing water quality and removing invasive species. Last year, with the guidance of teachers Rob Redmond and Carolyn Huggan, students removed invasive buckthorn and nightshade from the wetland.

The Prince Edward Island Wildlife Conservation Fund’s contribution to DUC for the 2022-2023 school year helped 18 Grade 4 classes across PEI learn about the importance of wetlands and conservation. Funding is generated from annual license fees from anglers, hunters and trappers, and provides support for the protection and enhancement of wildlife.

“Funding for this program is crucial to fostering wetland conservation through education, and DUC is grateful for that support,” says Scott.

About Ducks Unlimited Canada: Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.

Contact Information

Katie Scott
Outreach Specialist, Atlantic Canada
k_scott@ducks.ca
902-220-8780