Sharing lessons of conservation with the next generation

Giving back to nature is part of Kevin Guenard’s DNA. The Calgary outdoorsman has spent the past 22 years volunteering with DUC to conserve Alberta’s precious wetlands—including those along the Sheep River Valley where Guenard first got hooked on the wild as a youngster.

“Some of my fondest memories are of spending time out there with my dad and grandpa fly fishing,” he says.

Today, Guenard is a mentor who’s passing along lessons from Alberta’s great outdoors to a new generation of budding conservationists. As a DUC volunteer and a Scout’s Canada leader, he takes local groups on outdoor adventures where they learn about birds, wildlife and wetlands firsthand.

“When you enjoy the outdoors, you want to give back,” he says. “And knowing that these kids are going to take conservation into the next generation after I’m gone is the most rewarding part.”

On top of supporting youth education efforts, Guenard takes on many other volunteer roles at DUC. He’s often called upon to emcee local fundraising events or lead volunteer workshops. He chaired DUC’s Chinook Drakes Committee for 19 years, served as a senior member of DUC’s Alberta Provincial Council for four years, and has inspected countless conservation projects as a DUC MarshKeeper—a program where volunteers monitor wetland and upland habitat.

Truth be told, it’s hard to pin this dynamic DUC volunteer down. Just as difficult is trying to measure the impact of his support on conservation in Alberta.

“Kevin’s track record for organizing successful events and taking others under his wing has attracted many new supporters to DUC,” says Tim Binch, national manager of volunteer fundraising for DUC. “His sense of giving and commitment to his community, province and country know no bounds. We’re proud and honoured to name him DUC’s volunteer of the year in Alberta.”