Port Franks conservationist Lisa Tadgell named Ducks Unlimited Canada Volunteer of the Year for Ontario

Barrie, Ont., April 08, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Across the province, passionate people are banding together to create a healthier world. They’re helping conserve wetlands to protect our water, our wildlife and our future. These people are Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) volunteers. Lisa Tadgell is one of them.

A 15-year volunteer with DUC, Tadgell is a force for conservation. She has served twice as the chair of DUC’s local Strathroy-Caradoc committee, mostly recently for the past three years. In addition to organizing the annual fundraising dinner, she raises awareness and support for wetland conservation within the community all year long.

Last year, Tadgell and her committee also maintained and monitored 20 wood duck nest boxes that led to the successful hatching of 126 eggs. Tadgell’s commitment has earned her the honour of DUC’s Volunteer of the Year for Ontario.

“I do this for the love of my granddaughters,” she says. “I know that Ducks Unlimited will protect our wetlands and I want my grandkids and great-grandkids to enjoy all aspects of wetlands including hunting and fishing.” Tadgell is a passionate fisher and hunter. “I’m always out in the outdoors doing something. Housework can get done later.”

The fundraising dinner has “sold out” two years in a row and is the second-highest revenue generator for DUC events in Ontario, a major feat given that Tadgell and her team spearheaded its renewal just three short years ago.

“I love my committee members and I’m proud of each and everyone of them,” says Tadgell, who is known for her friendly personality. “And we couldn't do this without donations from great local and non-local businesses that donate without hesitation.”

DUC is supported by more than 5,600 volunteers across the country. This includes more than 1,000 in Ontario. Volunteers carry out a number of activities, including serving our board, organizing fundraising events, pitching in at local conservation project sites, helping with educational programs and lending a hand at local DUC offices.

“Lisa is a natural leader who encourages her committee to strive for greatness,” says Marco Cunha, a manager of events and volunteer relations for DUC in Ontario. “She lives and breathes DUC all year long. From spending an entire week promoting wetland conservation at the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show to making presentations to local community groups, she is creating a huge network of new supporters who believe in wetland conservation.”

National Volunteer Week (April 7- 13) is an opportunity to recognize generous people like Tadgell who share their time and talents to help make a difference in their community. It’s also a reminder that giving back has many rewards. That’s because the wetlands that volunteers help DUC save aren’t just for ducks, they’re for everyone. Wetlands keep the water in lakes and rivers clean. They protect communities from floods and droughts. They provide homes for wildlife and places to enjoy the outdoors. All are invaluable gifts.

“Volunteers are the heart and hands that make our work possible,” says Karla Guyn, chief executive officer for DUC. “Ducks Unlimited Canada was founded in 1938 by volunteers who saw an urgent need to conserve wetlands to protect the outdoor lifestyles they loved. The same desire drives our volunteers today. Our success in safeguarding wetlands across the country is thanks to their efforts.”

During National Volunteer Week, help DUC celebrate the thousands of volunteers who are making a difference. Better yet, join them. Your wetlands and your community need more forces for conservation. Learn more at ducks.ca/volunteer.

- 30 -

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.