His love of nature runs deep

Volunteers in the MarshKeepers program participate in monthly assessments of key water control structures and waterfowl activity at several wetlands in the Oceanside area. Brown was instrumental in shaping the program over four years so that DUC could offer it more widely beyond the pilot areas. Now, in a leadership role, Brown is sharing his knowledge, fostering 14 MarshKeepers on Vancouver Island and three more in the Lower Mainland.

Programs like MarshKeepers, that can heighten awareness of conservation among the public, is just one program in a long list that comprises Brown’s volunteer work. He is involved in Marsh Day conservation events, Brant Wildlife Festival Hamilton Marsh tours, and the committee for the annual DUC Oceanside Chapter’s Fundraising Gala.

Underscoring his efforts is a key theme: education. Brown believes that it’s critical to share knowledge with the public and other volunteers so that everyone understands the importance of conservation, now and for the future of our communities and ecosystems.

“I want to make a difference on the ground,” says Brown. “I want to preserve wetlands for future generations and protect the flora and fauna in these special places. Through education, I want to inspire younger people, so they take an interest and get excited about the work DUC is doing. I want people to take care of our wetlands to ensure we don’t lose them.”

Whether he’s working alongside partners and DUC volunteers to remove invasive species, brush trails and fix infrastructure like fences, signs and plugged water control structures, or organizing volunteers to work DUC kiosks and engage with guests as they walk into the marsh, Brown is there, always looking to serve.

He is most definitely making the tangible difference he’s hoping for. “I can see it,” he says, with passion. “It’s wonderful to hear the genuine excitement in the voices of our new volunteers when they get a wetland assigned to them. Their enthusiasm is contagious.”

There are approximately 375 DUC volunteers in B.C. and 3,500 across Canada. DUC is proud to recognize each of them—including outstanding leaders like Darin Brown—as volunteer champions and conservationists who make every moment matter by serving with generosity, passion and dedication.