Five decades of conservation advocacy and counting

Lorne Scott grew up on a small farm near Indian Head, Saskatchewan in the Prairie Pothole Region, served four years as provincial minister of environment and resource management, and has over five decades of involvement with local wildlife organizations. Collectively through these roles, Scott has dedicated his life to protecting the natural habitats that sustain us.

But it’s his years of work with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) that exemplifies a dedication that goes above and beyond, and why DUC is honouring him as Saskatchewan Volunteer of the Year.

Scott’s DUC journey began in 1966. “My first job was a two-week contract surveying with DU back then,” he recalls. “In 1980, I attended the first DU Dinner event in Regina and have attended dozens of events since. I saw the great work that DU was doing on-the-ground with landowners like myself. It’s part of what inspired me in 2008 to serve as Chair of the Indian Head committee.”

Scott’s mission in life has always been wildlife conservation and that mission has taken him from hands-on work like setting out some 2,500 bluebird nest boxes and banding over 50,000 birds, to the halls of provincial government. While there, he spearheaded a partnership with DUC on wetland securement projects and advanced the North American Waterfowl Management Program.

At the heart of Lorne’s work is his ability to engage with people — getting new volunteers involved while keeping an interest in DUC’s mission top-of-mind in the community. He can be found actively selling and promoting any fundraising initiative in the province, including banquets, raffles, virtual fundraisers and so much more. These activities have given Scott some of his favourite moments.

“There have been so many good interactions with a variety of people at both small and large DU events,” he says. “A couple of months ago, a young DU staffer and I were able to secure a conservation easement with an older couple on 500 acres of native wetlands, aspen and grasslands. A great feeling of success for all involved.”

When asked what DUC’s recognition means to him, Scott’s response is sincere and practical. “It’s very humbling and not expected as I was only doing what I should be doing. We have a lot more work to do. Securing one wetland is great but we’re still losing wetlands elsewhere. It’s better to save a little than lose it all, and that’s why we need to bring more people from all walks of life into our circle.”

Scott’s impact has been felt everywhere from Saskatchewan’s environmental policies to the local conservation and restoration of natural habitats. Despite all of that, he always comes back to the moments of shared human connection. “The best part of this journey has been working with a diverse number of volunteers and great DU staff over the years,” he says.

There are approximately 560 DUC volunteers in Saskatchewan and 3,500 across Canada. DUC is proud to recognize each of them—including outstanding leaders like Lorne Scott—as volunteer champions and conservationists who make every moment matter by serving with generosity, passion and dedication.