Quebec/ eastern region ( Atlantic )
Quebec • New Brunswick • Nova Scotia • Prince Edward Island • Newfoundland and Labrador
volume 28, number 2, 2007
Wetland education programs go on the road
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“Dear Melissa, Thank you for the wonderful visit we had with you. We love to learn about animals. We really enjoyed touching the duck and beaver and George [the turtle]. Keep up the great work.” – From the Grade 1 class at Harvey Elementary School. Heartwarming messages like this reassure Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) education specialist Melissa Bird that wetland education programs being delivered at DUC's Conservation Centre (DUCC) in Fredericton since 1997 are right on target. Now DUCC is reaching an even bigger youth audience by taking the programs on the road. “Our hope is to get the word out to youth throughout New Brunswick about the importance of wetland conservation,” says Bird, who started delivering the programs in January at schools across the province. She is also taking evening programs to youth groups, such as Scouts and Guides. The hands-on school programs, available in both English and French, focus on wetland plants, animals, soils and are in line with the New Brunswick school science curriculum. The youth programs include fun activities designed to open children’s eyes to the wonder of wetlands. Regular programs at DUCC remain in high demand. During its pilot phase, the “On-the-Road” program is being offered for grades 1, 2 and 4. If it proves as popular as expected, it will be expanded to include grades 1 through 7. For more information contact Melissa Bird (far right) at 506-458-8848, 1-888-920-3330 (ext. 23) or m_bird@ducks.ca. S
Learning more about wind farms
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The subject of wind power is in the Quebec media a great deal at the moment. Some municipalities are welcoming wind farm companies; some are hesitating to open the door too quickly before they have had the time to consider all the economic, social and environmental advantages and disadvantages of such a project. Wind-generated power is a clean and renewable source of electricity; it allows us to diversify our sources of energy and it can also be an important source of investment in the regions. In Quebec, areas that offer the greatest wind potential include the shores of the St. Lawrence which also coincide with the Atlantic Flyway and wetland habitat of great importance to migratory waterfowl and other bird species. Although little research exists about the effect of wind farms on bird populations, there is some evidence that wind farms and their turbines do have negative impacts on birds. These include the disturbance and displacement of birds, sometimes resulting in direct fatalities, and the degradation and loss of wetland habitat. Wind farm development could also result in areas being closed off to public access for activities such as hunting or birdwatching. Ducks Unlimited Canada supports the notion of wind energy but recognizes that some wind farm sites could pose a risk to waterfowl and bird populations in general. We need to know more about these risks but in the meantime, impacts can be reduced through careful wind farm design and placement. Wind energy is a sustainable solution to an environmental problem; let us support it without creating another one. S
DUC’s 30th Anniversary Year in Quebec: A Very Positive Record
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In this issue, the DUC team in Quebec would like to take the opportunity to thank its members and supporters for their help in 2006 and to announce the results of DUC’s conservation efforts. Our 30th anniversary year has been full of challenges, but thanks to our donors who support our conservation programs, our record in terms of accomplishments has been very positive. We have been able to achieve our major objectives. Among them are the regional plans for wetland conservation in the Chaudière-Appalaches, Montérégie and Quebec Centre regions, important site acquisitions including the Baie au Chêne marsh at Pointe-à-la-Croix, the conclusion of the Grande Plée Bleue Bog conservation project and even our constant close working relationship with the Department of Natural Resources and Wildlife. All of these accomplishments, and many more, represent a step in the right direction with regards to wetland conservation in Quebec, efforts which will benefit wildlife and ensure our own welfare as well. Among our major financial accomplishments this year, we are very pleased to announce a generous donation of $135,000 received from Dow Chemical Canada Inc. in October 2006, as part
of the company’s total investment of $500,000 in Ducks Unlimited Canada. Their contribution came as a result of a partnership for the conservation and rehabilitation of Île de Varennes, a 105-hectare (260-acre) site located northeast of Montreal near the company’s production plant. The donation ties into Dow’s sustainable development policy, and wetland conservation is a concrete example of the company’s commitment to this policy. DUC is very proud to have been chosen for the accomplishment of Dow’s sustainable development project in Quebec. The donation will ensure the maintenance of this site identified as a national wildlife area along the St. Lawrence. In addition to this substantial donation, we also received a large number of financial contributions last year and we wish to thank our donors, without exception, for their generosity, their time, their efforts and their loyalty towards our mission. We have a number of projects lined up for the future, and their support remains essential for the accomplishment of these projects. We are proud and reassured to be able to count on their support once again. S
e a s t e r n r e g i o n ( q u e b e c / at l a n t i c )
Quebec Nest Box Program turns 10 years old!
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Some species of ducks nest in cavities in large trees. However, these tree-nesting ducks are faced with a problem: they are unable to make their own nesting hole. They must therefore depend upon tree disease, lightning and especially woodpeckers to make these holes for their nesting needs. The installation of nest boxes is therefore a good solution to the problem, as it increases the number of nesting sites. The duck species that normally use the nesting boxes include the wood duck, the goldeneye, the hooded merganser and the Barrow’s goldeneye. Ducks Unlimited and the Société d’aménagement de la baie Lavallière (SABL) are responsible for the provincial network of nest boxes. The spring 2005 reproductive season marked the 10th anniversary of the nest box network. There are now more than 120 networks of nest boxes throughout Quebec. These 3,500 or so nest boxes provide a quality nesting area for various species of tree-nesting ducks. This program, however, could not be carried out without the phenomenal amount of work carried out by so many collaborators. There are more than 350 volunteers who install and monitor the nest boxes. Ducks Unlimited Canada and the SABL are especially grateful to these volunteers. Thanks to all those who have remained with us over the past 10 years. Without them, the provincial nest box program would never have existed. S Volunteers investigate a nest box to determine waterfowl usage from the previous season.
Double celebration for Corner Brook Chapter
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How’s this for icing on the cake? Just three days after Newfoundland’s very first DUC chapter celebrated its 20th anniversary in November, the chapter’s founding chairman, Stuart Weldon, was presented with the province’s first annual Lieutenant-Governor’s Greenwing Conservation Award for his outstanding volunteer services to wetland conservation. The timing wasn’t planned, but it was perfect. Weldon, who was woodlands manager at Corner Brook Pulp & Paper for many years, was at first reluctant to accept the role of Corner Brook committee chair in 1987, but showed great leadership as he guided the committee through its formative years. Thanks largely to his brilliant organizing skills and the help of his wife and fellow committee member Carol Ann, fundraising dinners immediately hit a very high standard. Later Weldon was able to convince his employers to dedicate Birchy Basin, one of
the most significant wetlands in the province, to a stewardship agreement. He also inspired other communities with the confidence to start their own chapters and brought DUC to the attention of many more. “The award came as a complete surprise. There are certain things in life that overwhelm you, and this is one of them,” says Weldon, now retired, who has fond memories of his time with DUC. “They were a great group to work with. They have done some wonderful work.” Over its first 20 years the Corner Brook chapter has raised more than $300,000 for DUC. “It has been the hub of our presence on the west coast (Newfoundland), where the bulk of our events take place,” notes Kelly Sandoval, DUC’s fundraising manager for Newfoundland and Labrador. “In many ways it was the catalyst for the province. We have experienced a lot of growth since then – we now have 14 chapters – and I’m very proud of that.” S
The Corner Brook Chapter
Award winner, Stu Weldon and his Honour Edward Roberts, the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.
A dedicated conservationist:
E. Michael Byrne, 1937–2006
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This winter DUC lost a much-loved friend and supporter with the passing of E. Michael Byrne. Mike contributed to the work of DUC at every level. He became a member in 1962 and chaired the inaugural Halifax dinner committee, one of the first in Atlantic Canada. In 1994 he was appointed to the National Board of Directors, where he spoke with a strong voice for Nova Scotia, and two years ago he was elected secretary to the executive of the board, where he served until finally losing a hard-fought battle with cancer in November, aged 69. He championed many projects, including DUC’s Feather Society, which enables senior and younger members alike to leave a legacy to support DUC’s conservation work. A keen skier and member of the Wentworth Valley Ski Club, in recent years Mike was a driving force behind the formation of DUC’s Wentworth Valley chapter. His support for our new Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre in Shubenacadie was invaluable. It is a tribute to Mike’s enormous energy and enthusiasm that he managed to combine a successful and award-winning career as an architect with his many volunteer activities. He exercised his tremendous talents on the
boards of a wide range of community groups working with conservation, youth and those less able to fend for themselves. DUC was lucky to benefit from his dedication and commitment. His many friends within DUC will also remember Byrne as an avid outdoorsman, expert with both salmon rod and gun. “His passion for sport and conservation was outstanding. He was devoted to it,” says Mac Dunfield, senior director for the Atlantic region, who accompanied Mike on many hunting and fishing trips. “And on the board Mike was supportive of everything we tried. He truly believed in what he was doing.” Mike’s outlook was a source of inspiration to others. “He was always an optimist and took a positive attitude when dealing with any challenge,” says longtime friend Geoff Harding, DUC’s Atlantic development manager. “He will be greatly missed.” The staff and volunteers of DUC would like to express our gratitude for Mike Byrne’s enormous contribution to our conservation work, and our sadness at the loss of his companionship. We extend our condolences to his wife, Heidi, and to his family for their loss. S
2007 Atlantic Volunteer Conference to be held in P.E.I.
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The Atlantic Volunteer Conference will take place May 31 to June 3, 2007. A fun-filled weekend awaits participants in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Registration will begin Thursday night and continue through Friday. Fun events like a harbour cruise, golf game and skeet shoot will take place on Friday with a trivia challenge at night. Saturday will consist of marsh tours, and an afternoon of fun and games for all ages including a seminar on duck and goose hunting. At the same time an information session will be held for the volunteers. Delicious food and lots of fun will mark the banquet on Saturday night. P.E.I.’s own Celtic Ladies will provide musical entertainment late into the night. Look for your registration brochure and be sure to get yours in early; those received by April 16 will be entered into a draw to win a room upgrade for two nights compliments of DUC and Rodd’s Royalty Inn. The room rate at Rodd’s is $100/night (double occupancy). The conference costs $25/per person or $40 per family. For information contact Wade Lewis at 902-569-4544. S
quebec/ eastern Region ( atlantic )
The Flyway newsletter is published by Ducks Unlimited Canada Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre P.O. Box 1160, Stonewall, Manitoba R0C 2Z0 tel (204)467-3000 fax (204)467-9028 toll-free 1(800)665-DUCK Please direct your inquiries to the following: Eastern Region Atlantic: Kelly MacDonald Quebec: Bernard Filion Ontario: Lynette Mader Western Region Prairie-Western Boreal: Marci Dube British Columbia: Ellen Baragon Flyway production staff Director of Communications and Marketing: Madeleine Arbez Editor: Duncan Morrison Assistant: June Finnson Art Director: Tye Gregg Graphic Designers: Lindsay Pikta-Marie, Aquila Samson, Jeope Wolfe © Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2007 Printed in Canada on 100% recycled paper including 100% post-consumer fibres
Area Contacts Manager of Provincial Operations, Atlantic Tom Duffy (866) 903-8257 ext.234 Manager of Provincial Operations, Québec Bernard Filion (800) 565-1650 ext.15 Fundraising Manager Jocelyn Landry
(877) 551-5757
Fundraising Eric Hansen, Québec (West)
(877) 547-9494
Barry Burke, New Brunswick (888) 920-3330 Darren Hasson, Nova Scotia & PEI (888) 920-3330 ext. 4 Kelly Sandoval, Newfoundland and Labrador (877) 243-8257 Greenwing Liaisons Kim Votour, Fredericton
(888) 920-3330
publication agreement #40064849