QUALICUM BEACH — Ducks Unlimited Canada has done a lot to help preserve wetlands in the Qualicum Beach area, but they didn’t do it alone.
That’s why the group recently presented Quality Foods with a Diamond Life sponsor award for its continued support of conservation in the Qualicum Beach area.
These awards help recognize DUC’s major gift donors who make financial contributions toward wetland conservation year after year.
To date, Ducks Unlimited has conserved 15 wetlands in the Nanaimo and Qualicum Beach area and secured approximately 3,185 hectares of wildlife habitat with a total investment of more than $10 million.
“Ducks Unlimited Canada is pleased to have partnered with Quality Foods toward the goal of wetland conservation for eight consecutive years,” said Les Bogdan, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s director of operations, B.C. and Boreal.
“Awarding them with our Diamond Life Sponsor award is a way to not only thank and congratulate Quality Foods for their continued support, but to celebrate their 30th anniversary. We hope that this partnership will continue for years to come.”
Despite growing concern and awareness, Canada’s wetlands continue to be destroyed and degraded across the country. Agriculture, industry and urban development are just some of the ongoing threats that Canada’s wetlands face.
“We are thrilled to have been recognized with the Diamond Life sponsor award from DUC,” said John Briuolo of Quality Foods. “For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to putting our customers and community first, and we hope to continue this tradition for decades to come.”
In the Nanaimo and Qualicum Beach areas the Buttertubs Marsh is a project that DUC has conserved through its partnerships and is a popular spot for scenic walking trails, wildlife viewings and education on natural areas.
Support has also been given to privately owned conservation projects, such as Echo Valley Farms near Qualicum Bay, that benefit farming operations, wintering waterfowl and the community’s watershed. DUC recently completed work there that will help sustain the farm’s biodiversity for at least 30 more years.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, other non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.
— Submitted by DUC