eastern region (ontario)

VoLUMe 31, nUMBer 3, 2010

A group of grade four students get a close up look at the Hillman Marsh wetland.

TThe rain early this May couldn’t keep Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and more than 40 Grade 4 students from celebrating the wetlands at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, located along the shores of Lake Erie in southwestern Ontario.

The provincially significant wetland, known as one of the region’s finest bird viewing areas, recently received a $340,000 renovation to the system of earthen dikes and water control structures originally constructed by DUC back in the early 1990s. Restoration of the marsh’s infrastructure was as a result of the recent southern Ontario wetland rebuild program, made possible by financial support from the Government of Canada and matching contribution from DUC.

Donning their raincoats and boots, the eager students joined DUC, project partners and other special guests to celebrate the renovations at Hillman Marsh with longtime supporter of DUC’s education program, Talisman Energy, at a Wetland Appreciation Day. The students had the opportunity to explore the marsh, catch water insects, learn about migratory birds and celebrate the wetlands while gaining knowledge about the importance of wetlands and their habitats for people and wildlife.

Each year, thousands of students visit Hillman Marsh to experience the wonders of wetlands through DUC’s curriculum-based wetland education program, Project Webfoot. S

Celebrating wetlands at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area

DDucks Unlimited Canada (DUC) implemented the very first landowner nest box project in 1974, and today more than 6,700 nest boxes are regularly inspected on hundreds of DUC projects all across Ontario. Annual inspections and maintenance of the boxes is critical to their success. In addition to DUC staff and contractors, landowners have played a vital role in the continued success of the nest box program.

This year, any landowner who returned their completed nest box survey sheet was automatically entered into a draw to win a DUC framed print. DUC was pleased to present the Ducks Unlimited Canada Waterfowl Stamp and Print to this year’s winning landowner, Monica Matuszewski of Dunnville, in early June.

Congratulations, Monica, and thank you to all DUC nest box landowners for your continued support. S

Nest box survey winner

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OOne of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) most visible projects in Ontario, the Collins Creek project in Kingston, was the site of a very special dedication event on May 28, 2010. Family and friends of Dr. George Merry joined DUC and other invited guests as a rock cairn and bronze plaque were unveiled recognizing Dr. Merry’s longtime commitment to conservation.

Dr. Merry has been an active DUC volunteer for 30 years and was a founding member of the Kingston Fall chapter. Nominated to the DUC Ontario Provincial Volunteer Council in 1992, where he served two consecutive terms as provincial chair (1996-1999), Dr. Merry was also an active member of the DUC national Board of Directors for two terms. Over the years, he has been a part of many DUC chapters and events. Dr. Merry was among the first DUC major gift donors, and conveyed his strong belief in DUC and the need to conserve wetlands as habitat for waterfowl and special places for people by donating land on Wolfe Island as a Feather Society member.

“George’s passion for supporting wetland conservation is legendary,” said Gary Down, DUC’s Ontario provincial chairman. “He is a longtime supporter of Ducks and has been a driving force in the Kingston and Wolfe Island chapters. We are honoured by his commitment and generosity, and are pleased to be able to recognize his contributions in this way.”

The Collins Creek wetland project is located at the corner of Highways 401 and 38, on private property owned by longtime DUC supporters Jeff Paine and Nancy Sears. The 25-acre impoundment was built by DUC in 1983 and continues to offer a permanent haven for hundreds of species of waterfowl, plants, fish and other wildlife. S

Dedication honours local doctor’s commitment to conservation

AAs the organization’s name would suggest, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) conservation programs result in the protection and restoration of wetland habitat for waterfowl. However, many other species of all shapes and sizes depend on wetlands and these species benefit from DUC’s conservation actions too. Unfortunately, about 47 wetland-dependent species are listed as Species at Risk under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. The Blanding’s turtle is one such species. It’s easily identified by its characteristic bright yellow throat and jaw, and domed shell said to resemble a military helmet. Recently, while biological staff monitored wetland rebuilding activities at DUC’s Pigeon Marsh wetland project near Lake St. Clair in Kent County, they encountered this rare reptile. The Blanding’s turtle and many other species at risk benefit immensely from DUC’s conservation activities, highlighting the value of wetland habitat. S

DUC’s Pigeon Marsh home to Blanding’s Turtle

Dr. George Merry (left) and DUC Vice President,Tom Worden (right), at the Collins Creek dedication event.

IIn some areas of southern Ontario, up to 90 per cent of wetlands have been lost. In an effort to prevent losing more and to restore some of those already lost, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) partners with local municipalities, government agencies, landowners and other special interest groups to develop programs that directly impact wetland habitat for the benefit of wildlife and people.

In 2008, DUC and longtime partner Quinte Conservation entered into an agreement to support local landowners with wetland conservation in the Moira, Napanee, Salmon Rivers and all of Prince Edward County watersheds, through the Ontario Wetland Care program. This program provides technical resources and grants to rural landowners to encourage good stewardship by helping them maintain and enhance wetlands on their properties. The Quinte watershed has lost approximately 45 per cent of its original wetlands, however, DUC and Quinte Conservation are working earnestly to preserve the remaining wetlands and restore those degraded in this watershed. In 2008 and 2009, DUC and Quinte Conservation completed 19 projects that have protected over 1,150 acres of wetland habitat throughout the Quinte watershed. These projects have included the installation of wood duck nest boxes, livestock exclusion fencing, wildlife corridor planting, pond excavation and wetland restoration. Moving forward, the two organizations continue to engage local landowners in wetland conservation on their property.

“The DUC and Quinte Conservation partnership allows us to work together toward a common goal to restore and protect local wetlands,” says DUC provincial manager Jim Brennan. “DUC staff work closely with Quinte’s stewardship team to share DUC’s wetland expertise and to reach a greater number of landowners through a shared program.”

“Many landowners are really interested in nature and they want to know what they can do to help wildlife out on their property,” says Alana Bancroft, Quinte Conservation stewardship co-ordinator. “This partnership with Ducks Unlimited allows us to provide recommendations and, if needed, financial assistance for improvements to wetland habitats and help give the landowner information on the programs available.”

Ongoing partnerships are vital to helping DUC conserve, manage and restore wetlands. DUC welcomes the opportunity to build relationships with other like-minded organizations. S

e a s t e r n r e g i o n ( o n t a r i o ) Nest box survey winner

Building relationships to conserve wetlands

CCongratulations to Jeff Krete, DUC conservation specialist, on his third World Championship win in the Decorative Miniature Wildfowl category at the 40th annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival held in April in Ocean City, Maryland. The signature event for wood waterfowl carvers, this event provides a forum for judging contemporary wildfowl art, and an opportunity to compare techniques and exchange ideas and information. Over 1,400 carvings were entered by carvers of all levels, from Youth to World Class, in 38 divisions which include life-size and miniature decorative bird carvings, interpretive carvings and several categories of working decoys.

Krete started the winning carving, the great Argus pheasant pair in their habitat, a rare pheasant from Borneo and Malaysia, almost two years ago and finished it just before the show.

Krete was not the lone Canadian to walk away with the title World Champion. In fact, four of the five winners were fellow Canadians; three of them reside in southern Ontario. S

Another World Carving Championship Win

Incoming provincial chairman Greg Weeks poses with his Don Cherry jacket, shirt and tie after successfully outbidding the competition for the live auction prize.

TThis year’s Ontario Volunteer Convention was held the last weekend of May at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in beautiful downtown Kingston. The event-filled weekend enjoyed by more than 250 enthusiastic DUC volunteers and their families was enhanced by the fabulous weather that accompanied the weekend festivities.

The program included special presentations from guest speaker the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment, and the DUC Ontario Conservation Team, followed by an exciting habitat tour on nearby Wolfe Island and the always popular Greenwing Adventure for the kids. Each evening Hospitality Central provided guests an opportunity to socialize and celebrate with fellow volunteers from across the province and some exciting entertainment too…right, Elvis?

All the weekend’s festivities led up to the Saturday night gala event where volunteers joined guest master of ceremonies, former NFL player Jude St. John, and guest speaker the Honourable Peter Milliken, MP Kingston and the Islands and Speaker of the House of Commons, for a traditional DUC dinner with raffles, awards and prizes. However, the highlight of the evening was the intense bidding war for the Don Cherry suit coat, shirt and tie in the live auction event, between incoming provincial chairman Greg Weeks and longtime volunteer George Merry. Ultimately Weeks won the battle and proceeded to wear the ensemble for the remainder of the evening.

“It was said several times by several different speakers,” says Weeks, “that it’s the cause that makes us want to join Ducks Unlimited, but it’s the people that make us want to stay! This past convention was truly an example of how true this really is.”

The successful convention was organized and run by a committee of volunteers led by convention chair Jackie Down and supported by the team of DUC’s fundraising managers. “A fun time was had by all,” says Andrew Laidley, fundraising manager. “The sessions were informative and the evenings were entertaining.” S

DUC Ontario Volunteer Convention is another huge success!

eastern region (ontario)

The Flyway newsletter is published by Ducks Unlimited CanadaOak Hammock Marsh Conservation CentreP.O. Box 1160, Stonewall, ManitobaR0C 2Z0 tel (204)467-3000 fax (204)467-9028toll-free 1(800)665-DUCK

Please direct your inquiries to the following:Eastern Region Atlantic: Krista Elliott Quebec: Bernard Filion Ontario: Joanne BarbazzaWestern Region Prairie-Western Boreal: Marci Dube British Columbia: Wendy Thatcher

Flyway production staffDirector of Marketing: Madeleine ArbezEditor: Duncan MorrisonAssistant: Deb MenardManager Creative Services: Lindsay Pikta-MarieGraphic Designers: Christa Edwards, Aquila Samson, Jeope Wolfe

© Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2010 Printed in Canada on 100% recycled paper including 100% post-consumer fibres

ontario area ContactsDirector of Regional Operations Eastern Canada, Jamie Fortune (613) 565-2525

Manager of Provincial OperationsJim Brennan (705) 721-4444

Conservation ProgramsOwen Steele (705) 721-4444

Landowner ProgramsLynette Mader (705) 721-4444

Education Program Coordinator Stephanie Walker (705) 721-4444

Government RelationsJulie Cayley (705) 721-4444

Fundraising DevelopmentAaron Everingham (705) 738-9929James D. Lee (647) 345-3223

Eastern Region Manager of Event & Volunteer ProgramsSteve Stinkowji (705) 544-8437

Event & Volunteer Customer Service(613) 389-0418 (866) 389-0418

publication agreement #40064849

Left to right: Johnny Burkhart, London volunteer; Brian Whatley, Peterborough chapter chairman; Donna Whatley, Peterborough volunteer (centre); Ron Maher, DUC senior development manager; and Dale Walker, Haliburton/Minden volunteer.

Georgian Bay/Toronto District chair, Bonnie O’Carroll enjoys Hospitality Central with Elvis.