PEI's students learn to love wetlands thanks to the Wildlife Conservation Fund

CHARLOTTETOWN, July 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The Government of Prince Edward Island's Wildlife Conservation Fund provided $10,364 this year to the Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) Project Webfoot education program.

The Wildlife Conservation Fund, which is generated from annual license fees from anglers, hunters and trappers, provides funding for the protection and enhancement of wildlife. The fund's contribution to DUC for the 2015-2016 school year helped 460 Grade 4 students from 21 classes across PEI learn about the importance of wetlands and conservation.

"Children are naturally curious about the world around them. That's why we think it's so important they get the chance to explore wetlands and nature through Project Webfoot field trips, where they can connect with the environment and conservation," says Katie Scott, education specialist with DUC. "Funding for this program from PEI WCF is crucial to fostering wetland conservation through education, and DUC is grateful for that support."

Each class, at no cost to the school, went on a wetland field trip where students took part in critter dipping and birding, played environment-themed games, and learned wetland values from trained nature interpreters from the Island Nature Trust. Classes also received an in-class resource kit. Project Webfoot provides opportunities for Island students to learn about important ecosystems in their province at local wetlands like Noonan's Marsh, Mt. Stewart, Allisary Creek and O'Leary Wildlife Federation.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.

SOURCE DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA

Image with caption: "Rescue Our Wetlands (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160711_C6431_PHOTO_EN_731944.jpg

For further information: Chelsea Murray, Communications Specialist, Atlantic Canada, [email protected], 902-292-2506­