Conservator

Conservation on campus

Clubs connect students to each other and to nature

By Leigh Patterson July 12, 2024

Acadia’s Campus Club students have participated in hands-on activities like duck banding at Université Sainte-Anne.

In 2022, Mark Maddox joined a motivated and diverse group of 10 young people from across the country selected to form Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) first-ever Youth Advisory Council. DUC established the Council to give youth a voice on key environmental issues.

Back then, Maddox told us that “I’m excited to contribute to conservation and inspire others to do the same.”

Today, Maddox is fulfilling his personal mission. Now pursuing a M.Sc. in biology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Maddox’s own passion for biology grew from his interests in fishing, hunting and exploring the outdoors, augmented by the learnings he gained from his Council experience.

Motivated by his two-year stint on the Council, he’s spearheaded DUC’s first-ever Campus Club at Acadia.

Maddox’s goal was to bring together students who share a passion for nature, conservation and community. He imagined a university or college club that connected like-minded peers, where students could learn from science and conservation experts and take action for the environment. DUC’s mission and programs were a perfect fit with his vision.

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I wanted a DUC club that was hands-on. I wanted students to get outdoors, explore wetlands and make a real difference for conservation. The DUC Campus Club program provides funding, employee time and structure so that students can do all that. It’s amazing.

Mark Maddox

DUC’s youth engagement coordinator Jessica Needham helped Maddox set up the club, recruit new members and connect with DUC experts.

“I’ve seen first-hand how passionate students are about wetlands and the environment,” says Needham. “DUC wants to support students so that they can make a difference while building up their leadership skills and getting experience on the ground. We set them up for success.”

The Acadia Campus Club has proven so popular that nearly 100 students have joined since its launch in September 2023.

DUC Campus Clubs foster a sense of social responsibility through service projects. Here’s some of the activities Acadia Campus Club members have enjoyed over the last few months to build their skills as wetland conservation ambassadors for the future.

Join the club!

Acadia’s Campus Club students clean and inspect nest boxes at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. © Tristan Glen

Thanks to the successful launch of the DUC Campus Club at Acadia, we’re looking to support new clubs at colleges and universities across Canada. If you’re passionate about the environment, love the idea of strapping on waders and want to make a difference for wetlands, connect with us! All DUC Campus Clubs receive equipment and annual funding to lead their own wetland projects like invasive species removal, nest box building, water quality monitoring and more. DUC provides professional development workshops for club members to meet conservation specialists and start planning a career in conservation.

Visit ducks.ca/campus-clubs to learn more.

Spring training

U of M Wetlanders refresh duck tunnels at Oak Hammock Marsh. © Dustin Molinkski

This spring, the U of M Wetlanders — a fundraising chapter for DUC led by University of Manitoba students in Winnipeg, Man.—were busy hosting several events on and off campus. It began with their “Marsh Madness” social to raise awareness and funds in support of DUC. Soon after, the students were at Oak Hammock Marsh to refresh the existing duck nesting tunnels (above) in advance of the busy spring migration season. Back on campus, they installed four new duck boxes on the trees overlooking the Red River and checked the ones they’d installed before and where wood ducks, hooded mergansers and goldeneyes had made their homes. New Wetlanders experienced the fascinating world of these cavity nesters and learned how to support local duck populations through habitat conservation.

Follow them on Instagram @umwetlanders to find out what they’re up to next!

Reasons to celebrate

Lethbridge College's DUC chapter celebrated it's 20th anniversary fundraising dinner in March 2024. © Ducks Unlimited Canada

The Lethbridge College DUC student chapter was the first volunteer committee of its kind established at a post-secondary institution in Canada. Since its formation, more than 600 students have participated in the chapter, and a scholarship is available for members. In March, the group hosted its 20th fundraising banquet. Kerry Edwards is the faculty advisor for the chapter and was instrumental in its creation. For his efforts in shaping the future of conservation, DUC recognized Edwards this April as Alberta Volunteer of the Year, giving the chapter another reason to celebrate!

Youth Conservation Network

Connect with a network of like-minded young leaders who share your commitment to wetland conservation and the environment.

Learn more

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