Gertrude (McCreight) McKee was born on April 5, 1937, the seventh child in a large family of 11 kids. Raised on the family farm about 100 kilometres east of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., it was there that McKee first nurtured her passion for wildlife.

McKee’s contributions came to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in 2008 as a result of the final wishes outlined in her last will and testament. DUC humbly directed these contri- butions to wetland conservation in southern Ontario.

The Wood Duck Wetland at Luther Marsh is a prime example of these efforts. Selected for its solitude and beauty, it is a lasting tribute to

Gertrude McKee. The bronze plaque erected at Luther Marsh

reads “In memory of Gertrude in honour of her passion and devotion

for the protection of wetlands and wildlife…we will think of you, as we look

out over this marsh preserved in perpetuity.”“Contributions like those generously pro-

vided by the late Mrs. Gertrude McKee are critical to advancing wetland conservation in Ontario,” says Greg Weeks, provincial director and volunteer with DUC in Ontario. “It is this kind of philanthropy that allows Ducks Unlim- ited Canada to pool resources to build and maintain crucial habitats such as these located here at Luther Marsh.”

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Wetland dedicated to special conservationist

Above right: Shirley Donnelly (left) and Reta Daniels, sisters of Gertrude McKee, and DUC Ontario provincial director Greg Weeks unveil a cairn in McKee’s honour at Ontario’s Luther Marsh.

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the CONSERVATION

of preciousnatural areas

Since its inception in 1985, Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) has generously donated more than $2 million to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). Of that $2 million, an astounding $835,000 was directed towards DUC wetland conservation projects in Ontario.

A founding member of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and a key national player in habitat conservation matters, WHC addresses waterfowl habitat conservation issues with funding commit- ments in every province. The vast majority of these dollars go towards supporting wetland conservation. With funds generated through

the sale of the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp, WHC invests in DUC and remains an important partner in conservation.

DUC volunteers, supporters and conservation partners gathered at Atocas Bay to honour the unique collaboration between DUC and WHC, and to celebrate wetland conservation partnerships in Ontario. Less than one hour from downtown Ottawa, Atocas Bay contains almost 2,000 acres of rolling uplands, wetlands and small lakes.

“In DUC’s more-than-70 years of conserving critical wetland habitat, we have learned partnerships are essential to bringing new solutions to today’s environmental challenges,” says Jim Brennan, DUC manager of

provincial operations. “DUC is proud to participate in these collaborative efforts that not only advance our wetland and waterfowl conservation work on the landscape, but also contribute to a healthy environment for the citizens of Ontario, now and into the future.”

Contributions from WHC are directed to numerous DUC programs across the province including land purchase and conservation easements, landowner outreach and the wetland restoration program. These pro- grams conserve, restore and enhance waterfowl habitat and provide

environmental and economic benefits to the community. “Some of the most vital support of conservation comes from local landowners and conservation partners,” says Mark

Gloutney PhD., DUC director of regional operations for Eastern Canada. “DUC is very excited to continue our partnership with WHC, to help us achieve our habitat goals”.

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Wildlife Habitat Canada honoured at Ontario’s premier wetland restoration site

“DUC is very excited to continue our partnership with WHC, to help us achieve our habitat goals.”

– Mark Gloutney PhD. Director of regional operations, Ducks Unlimited Canada

Wildlife Habitat Canada President Len Ugarenko (middle) accepts the first ever Wetland Champion Award presented in Ontario from Jim Brennan (left), DUC manager of provincial operations, and Mark Gloutney PhD., DUC Eastern Region director of regional operations.

“Wildlife Habitat Canada is honoured to receive this award from Ducks Unlimited Canada,” said Ugarenko. “They were there when Wildlife Habitat Canada was formed in 1985 and for the past 27 years DUC has been one of our most valued partners. We look forward to continuing this partnership long into the future.”