volume 32, number 2, 2011

eastern region ( )Quebec • New Brunswick • Nova Scotia

• Prince Edward Island • Newfoundland and Labrador

quebec/atlantic

DDucks Unlimited Canada (DUC) celebrated World Wetlands Day on with an open house at the Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Centre. The day offered numerous family-oriented activities such as a snow sculpture contest, a colouring contest, games, activities, prizes, food and more. The many visitors enjoyed learning about wetlands via the many hands-on, interactive displays in the centre, including their new SMARTBoard interactive whiteboard.

“It was fantastic to see so many people come out for World Wetlands Day,” says Erin Heeney, interpretive and education specialist for DUC. “We really appreciate the support we get from people for our efforts to conserve wetlands, and always enjoy a chance to give something back to them.”

Another activity that took place during the day was snowshoeing at Corbett Brook Marsh. Led by DUC volunteer Ian Smith, members of the community took an hour-long walk around the marsh, learning about the ecological diversity of wetlands and why they are so beneficial to humans.

Meanwhile at Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, a large crowd of visitors looked on as a tiny, unassuming groundhog peeked out of his house, unaware of how many hopes were riding on him. With the large quantity of snow that has already fallen in Nova Scotia this winter, the prospect of another six weeks of winter was enough to strike dread into the stoutest of hearts.

Fortunately, Shubenacadie Sam did not disappoint. With Nova Scotia’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Charlie Parker, and the MLA for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, Gary Burrill, as well as dozens of local residents, families and

other visitors looking on, the small groundhog bolted from his tiny dwelling. After a quick scamper around the enclosed area, where he peered curiously at several visiting children, it was determined that Sam had not seen his shadow and thus was predicting an early spring.

After Sam’s performance, visitors made their way down to DUC’s Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre, located in the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park, for games, activities, face painting and hot chocolate, all in celebration of Groundhog Day and World Wetlands Day. Visitors also explored the many displays within the centre, learning about the many benefits and values of wetlands.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come out for Groundhog Day and World Wetlands Day,” says Jodie Hambrook, manager of outreach programs for DUC. “Visitors really enjoy seeing Shubenacadie Sam and learning all about nature and about the incredible diversity and value of wetlands.” S

Merry times in Maritimes at World Wetlands Day

Erin Heeney, interpretive and education specialist with DUC, shows young Dominic O’Donnell the Ducks Unlimited Canada Conservation Centre’s new SMARTBoard.

SSpring is an exciting time of year for nature lovers who enjoy observing the activities of the wildlife and waterfowl that live in the marshes, swamps and bogs that make up our wetlands. This time of year is also popular with hunters who enjoy watching waterfowl travel along the St. Lawrence River and swim across the ponds that will become prime hunting grounds come fall. For others, it is time to organize benefit activities for saving and restoring wildlife habitats – the mission statement of Ducks Unlimited Canada.

For our habitat conservation team, spring is a thrilling time, not only because we draw up the balance sheet of the past year’s activities, but also because we begin to prepare new conservation actions. Spring 2011 could be a major turning point for conservation. Since the announcement of our vision in 1998, we have moved from a site-by-site process to a territorial approach (ecological breakdown of the area) and we are approaching our goal. In fact, since 2000, we have progressively shifted the issue of waterfowl habitat conservation to protection of the countryside. This was no easy task, as a pinpoint approach was the way things were being done since the launch of DUC’s operations in Quebec in 1976.

The territorial approach means developing a long-term mosaic of habitats that integrates the protection and restoration of wetlands (marshes, swamps and adjacent high ground). The challenge lies in integrating everything on a day-to-day basis by making use of the schemes of land use planning and territorial development performed by the regional county municipality (RCM). Thinking globally and acting locally is a concept that is logical, but not always easy to implement. For some, the task is simple, but for others, it seems like an impossible dream. We can now state that the strategy we implemented in the 2000s is beginning to bear fruit.

As of January, a detailed map of the wetlands of the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) is available for all to see at www.canardsquebec.ca/outils/cmm. We are happy to report that the

complete waterfowl habitat included in this 4,400-square-kilometre territory has been mapped. All that remains now is to integrate it into the Metropolitain land use planning and development plan and into the development plans for the RCMs that make up the CMM. This work will continue for all of the lowlands of the St. Lawrence and the Lac Saint-Jean.

We also remain active in the permanent protection of key reproductive habitats for waterfowl in strategic areas. Over the past year, we have acquired strategic sites totalling close to 1,100 hectares, including the Marguerite-D’Youville wildlife sanctuary in the Montérégie, the marshes of Lac Mégantic in the Eastern Townships and the rivière à l’Orme on the Island of Montreal (Pierrefonds-Roxboro).

In addition to mapping and permanently protecting habitats, we are also restoring vital habitats. In the spring of 2011, the marshes around the ruisseau de Feu in Terrebonne will come back to life when water returns to restore a permanent marsh of 40 hectares. Two new developments located in the centre of Quebec in the Baie-du-Febvre community and in Baie-du-Febvre/Nicolet-Sud, segment 8, will be in operation for the first time this year. This summer, development work in the baie de Lavallière will be launched. This is another large-scale project that aims to improve the reproductive habitats of waterfowl.

Although we are very active in the south of Quebec, we are also paying close attention to the much talked-about Plan Nord announced by the Government of Quebec. It includes the boreal forest north of the 49th parallel, the Taiga and the Quebec tundra. This sustainable development plan has a significant impact on Quebec waterfowl and all the provincial migration routes. The Plan Nord territory is home to 27 species of waterfowl including the American black duck, the Canada goose and two at-risk species (eastern population), namely the Barrow’s goldeneye and the harlequin duck. This area is a major asset in the autumn flights of waterfowl. S

Conservation action in Quebec

TTantramar Regional High School has recently won first place in the Ramsar Convention on Schools Promoting Wise Use of Wetlands in the Americas. This award recognizes schools that are involved in the conservation and wise use of wetlands by a) promoting awareness-raising campaigns and activities for the student community about the important ecosystem services provided by wetlands, and b) designing and implementing activities by students aimed directly at the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

The Tantramar Wetlands Centre, recognized nationally as a centre of excellence, promotes the importance of wetlands and wetland conservation through experiential wetlands education programs, developed through consultation with project partners. These partners include the Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment Canada), New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Town of Sackville and School District 2.

Each year, more than 100 students of Tantramar Regional High School volunteers deliver experiential wetlands education programs

to individual visitors and groups. These students also gather important biological information, such as data on waterfowl and water quality and methods of battling invasive species such as purple loosestrife.

Since it opened in 1998, the centre is estimated to have helped more than 42,000 students, teachers and members of the general public increase their knowledge of wetlands and their purpose in life, through seven specific programs: wonders of wetlands, case study of a wetland, wetlands through waterfowl, population dynamics, wetlands in winter, workshops for teachers and ecological research.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international co-operation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Its mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international co-operation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.” For more information on the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, visit www.ramsar.org. S

Tantramar Regional High School receives prestigious wetlands award

DDucks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has benefited from the hard work provided by our many long-term volunteers and dedicated employees in Quebec. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their efforts and their passion for the cause of wetlands.

Jacques Dextraze, civil engineering technician – 35 years of service. Jacques is the most senior member of DUC in Quebec. Based in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, he performs various administrative and technical tasks and regularly works in the field with

stakeholders to ensure the quality of the wetland development work performed for DUC.

Bernard Filion, biologist and agronomist, manager of provincial operations – 34 years of service. Bernard made his debut to the organization in 1977 and he has been the manager of DUC in Quebec since 2003. He is in

charge of all aspects of our operations in the province, except for volunteer activities.

Sylvain Gaudreau, head of Civil Engineering Services – 28 years of service. Trained in engineering, Sylvain has been in charge throughout his career of the development and implementation of wildlife management projects. In addition to taking on these

technical responsibilities, he also provided management duties for approximately 14 years, either as head of the Regional Office or as team or services leader.

Marie Blais, French Communications Co-ordinator – 25 years of service. Marie performs various administrative tasks. She ensures the language quality for the documents produced at the Quebec office and is responsible for the revising

of head office’s correspondence sent to francophone members, such as mailings, fundraising and educative material and the Conservationniste magazine.

Claudie Lessard, biological technician, Habitat Conservation – 24 years of service. Claudie is particularly involved as project leader in new conservation projects, while maintaining her role in the management of existing site projects. She is also

the head of the provincial nest box program.

France Lavertu, administrative consultant, Volunteer Services, Fundraising – 23 years of service. France advises volunteers on the financial aspects of their benefit activities, including entering the financial report into the DUC website for the benefit of all. Her

valuable assistance is indispensible to volunteers.

André Michaud, biologist, head of the Habitat Conservation program – 17 years of service. André is responsible for developing the management, protection and restoration of protected and developed sites, as well as the land use planning that DUC carries out in

collaboration with municipalities.

Patsy Chiasson, controller, Quebec and Atlantic provinces – 14 years of service. Patsy fills a variety of accounting roles such as the preparation of financial reports, the annual budget and financial projections. She ensures the proper performance of general procedures

and operations, and participates in the planning, development and implementation of programs designed to meet DUC’s objectives. She is also in charge of managing human resources.

Isabelle Gibson, legal and natural sciences technician, Habitat Conservation – 14 years of service. Isabelle began on the front line of habitat protection, which led her to work with landowners. Isabelle specializes in the protection of wetlands through legal actions such as

acquisitions, conservation easements, land donations and conservation agreements. She is also involved in achieving the recognition of natural reserve status for areas that are DUC private property.

Jason Beaulieu, geographer, head of Geomatics and Information Technology Support Services - 12 years of service. Jason and his team work in the development of mapping and information tools for the recognition of wetlands. These tools help raise public awareness

about the importance of wetlands, target those for which conservation is a priority, and ensure that these habitats are taken into account in land use planning.

Jocelyn Landry, Fundraising Manager for Quebec, Fundraising – 11 years of service. Jocelyn is responsible for recruiting new volunteers and motivating existing volunteers who organize DUC fundraising activities. He organizes training workshops and plans meetings

with the 30 volunteer committees located throughout the province. He also participates in finding new partners for the various fundraising programs and is in charge of motivational tools. S

Longtime service with DUC in Quebec

e a s t e r n r e g i o n ( q u e b e c / a t l a n t i c )

DDucks Unlimited Canada and Bill Hay celebrate donationDucks Unlimited Canada (DUC) presented a plaque on Jan. 26 to Maritime businessman Bill Hay. The award recognized a major gift of $25,000 over five years towards DUC’s Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre located in the Provincial Wildlife Park in Shubenacadie.

Hay is chairman of Trucorp Investments Incorporated, the company that owns and operates Bonté Foods, a food manufacturing and retail company in Dieppe, N.B., and Grinner’s Food Systems (the franchisor of Greco Pizza and Captain Sub restaurants) as well as the operator of Frank & Gino’s restaurant. Hay is also the owner of Mastodon Ridge Developments in Stewiacke.

“The Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre is a vital and important partner in this region,” says Hay. “I am very pleased to be able to support Ducks Unlimited’s efforts to educate people, especially young people, about the importance of wetlands. I am really looking forward to seeing the Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre grow and develop and become a major tourist attraction for this area.”

Located in the Nova Scotia Provincial Wildlife Park in Shubenacadie, the Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre contains informative and interactive hands-on displays, teaching visitors of all ages about the value of wetlands. Behind the centre, fully accessible trails around a wetland provide visitors with a close-up view of the broad variety of wildlife and plant life that wetlands contain. The centre is a popular destination for school groups, who are able to learn about the many features and values of wetlands in a classroom setting, with the hands-on displays, and by experiencing the actual wetland.

“With Mr. Hay’s generous donation, we’ve been able provide a wetland experience to more than 30,000 visitors a year by offering new interpretive displays and educating our visitors about the value of wetlands,” says Tom Duffy, manager of provincial operations for Ducks Unlimited Canada, Atlantic Region. “His community spirit and business acumen combined with our educational initiatives and vision – they just complement each other perfectly. We’re very pleased and grateful for his support.” S

eastern region ( )

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: Krista Elliott

Quebec: Bernard Filion

Ontario: Joanne Barbazza

Western Region

British Columbia: Wendy Thatcher

Flyway production staffCommunications and Marketing Director:

Sandy Gousseau

Editor: Duncan Morrison

Assistant: Deb Menard

Manager Creative Services: Lindsay Pikta-Marie

Graphic Designers: Christa Edwards,

Aquila Samson, Jeope Wolfe

© Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2011

Printed in Canada on 100% recycled paper

including 100% post-consumer fibres

quebec/atlantic

area contactsManager of Provincial Operations, AtlanticTom Duffy (866) 903-8257 ext.234

Manager of Provincial Operations, QuébecBernard Filion 1 (800) 565-1650 ext.15

Fundraising

QuébecJocelyn Landry 1 (877) 551-5757

New Brunswick Duska Frink (888) 920-3330

Nova ScotiaJames Young (888) 557-5554

Newfoundland and LabradorPaul Wood (709) 489-8147

publication agreement #40064849

Mastodon Ridge businesses were recognized for their support of the Greenwing Legacy Centre at the Provincial Wildlife Park. Pictured receiving the Diamond Life Sponsor Award from DUC reps Tom Duffy, Manager of Provincial Operations Atlantic Region, and Kimberly E. Arseneau, Development Manager Atlantic Canada, are Bill Hay, owner Mastodon Ridge; Claude Pothier, Tim Hortons at Mastodon Ridge; and Anne Marie Hay, KFC/Taco Bell.