BROOKFIELD - Ducks Unlimited will be celebrating its 30th anniversary while raising funds to protect wetlands during a dinner on Oct. 20.
One of the projects the organization is involved with in the local area is the Brookfield Wetland and Nature Trail. Funded by Ducks Unlimited and LaFarge, it consists of about 20 acres, with 1.6 kilometres of walking trails.
Another major project is the Greenwing Legacy project in Shubenacadie, which includes a wetland, trails and walkways and an interpretive centre.
"About 25 per cent of the world's remaining wetland are in Canada," said Denise Fraser, a co-chairperson of the Colchester Committee of Ducks Unlimited. "Up to 70 per cent of Canada's wetlands have disappeared and more are disappearing every day due to development."
Ducks Unlimited works on conservation programs at the local, regional and national levels. It is active in every province and territory.
"In Nova Scotia there are 384 wetland projects," said Fraser. "Over 45,000 acres have been conserved with help from government. There is now a policy that basically says you have to do everything you can not to destroy wetlands."
Wetlands decrease flooding, filter water, store groundwater, reduce erosion, provide biodiversity and reduce climate change.
"We work with landowners and we're always looking for more landowners with wetland habitat," said Fraser. "New members are also welcome. All Ducks Unlimited chapters are run by volunteers and there is always something for people to do."
Fraser first joined the organization because her boyfriend was involved.
Her co-chairperson, Bob White, first got involved through the dinners.
"I really enjoyed the dinners and when I heard they were running short on volunteers I joined," he said. "There are about 350 members in the area now and about 225 will be at the dinner. We raised upwards of $30,000 in one evening."
Every dollar raised at the dinners goes toward restoration work.
Ducks Unlimited invests more than 87 per cent of all net dollars received in habitat conservation, research and education.
The Ducks Unlimited dinner will be held at the Best Western Glengarry, beginning at 5:30 pm and includeds raffles, games, door prizes, live and silent auctions and a meal. Tickets cost $40 per person. More information on becoming involved in the organization or purchasing tickets is available by contacting Fraser at 899-3330 or fraserda@gov.ns.ca, White at 897-7982 or wildflowervend@eastlink.ca or Byron Donovan at 893-2172 or byron.donovan@bellaliant.net .
