Education, Wetlands

Spreading their wings

Meet our 2026 WCE scholarship winners

September 28, 2026

(L-R): WCE scholarship recipients Mairead McEwan Hosken, Kiera De Michele and Alora Silver.

Each year, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) recognizes young conservation leaders making a splash through the Wetland Centre of Excellence (WCE) program, which partners with schools across the country to engage students in conservation projects and mentorship at their local wetlands.

The WCE scholarship reflects students’ exceptional contributions to the program and offers support as they pursue education and careers that promote environmental awareness and conservation.

For Kiera De Michele of Mount Forest, Ont., her interest in wetlands and conservation was sparked while participating in the WCE program at Luther Marsh through Wellington Heights Secondary School. Recognized for her exceptional leadership, she took on extra responsibilities, supported fellow students and became a trusted mentor for younger learners. Currently, she’s studying at the University of Guelph in their Bachelor of One Health program. The degree is the first of its kind in Canada that explores the intersection of human, animal and environmental health.

Sharing her experience in the WCE program, Kiera says, “The program helped me get to where I am today, so I’m super grateful. And it’s helped my outlook on life.”

Click here to read Kiera’s full story.

Also an alum of the Luther Marsh WCE, Mairead McEwan Hosken’s experience with the program helped her blossom into a confident leader and forge connections with her peers. The WCE scholarship recognizes these leadership skills and her enthusiasm and deep passion for nature. As a wetland guide for younger students visiting the marsh, Mairead shared her knowledge and led guided hikes and fun wetland activities. As she prepares to study mechanical engineering, Mairead hopes to explore innovative solutions to environmental challenges such as flooding and clean water access.

“Through my field of study, I intend to seize and create opportunities where I can make it easy to apply solutions that will benefit wetlands and other diverse ecosystems,” she says.

Click here to read Mairead’s full story.

A longtime co-op student and volunteer with the Tantramar WCE in Sackville, N.B., Alora Silver earned a WCE scholarship for her dedication to environmental education and stewardship. She has played an integral role by guiding field trips, developing programming and helping thousands of young visitors connect with wetlands through hands-on learning. Heading to the Maritime College of Forest Technology, Alora plans to pursue a career as a conservation officer.

“Winning this scholarship means so much to me because it’s kind of a confirmation of the stuff I’ve done,” she says. “I’ve learned so much.”

Click here to read Alora’s full story.

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Mairead McEwan Hosken from the Luther Marsh Wetland Centre of Excellence wins Ducks Unlimited Canada scholarship

Education, Wetlands

Spreading their wings

Meet our 2026 WCE scholarship winners

Read These Stories Next

Mairead McEwan Hosken from the Luther Marsh Wetland Centre of Excellence wins Ducks Unlimited Canada scholarship

Kiera De Michele from the Luther Marsh Wetland Centre of Excellence wins Ducks Unlimited Canada scholarship

Alora Silver from the Tantramar Wetland Centre of Excellence wins Ducks Unlimited Canada scholarship