A long-time local conservationist was recognized for his efforts last week.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) officially dedicated the Harris Conservation Project in honour of Don Harris on Saturday, August 21. This highly productive marshland is located on the edge of Yorkton, accessible to the public. Don Harris has been a tireless volunteer for DUC. Together with the Yorkton DUC volunteer chapter, Don has raised more than $280,000 for the protection and enhancement of thousands of acres of wetlands and associated waterfowl habitat in Saskatchewan.
"The Harris Conservation Project is a great example of why passionate volunteers like Don have been such strong supporters of DUC for so many years," says Trevor Plews, DUC's Head of Upland Restoration in Saskatchewan.
"This important wetland has many visitors each year and serves as an outdoor classroom for people of all ages. Don has given so much to DUC and this is our tribute to his lifelong service to waterfowl and wetland conservation."
The Harris Conservation Project is home to an abundance of waterfowl species including mallard, blue-winged teal, northern shoveler, pintail, canvasback, and lesser scaup.
Other wildlife including white-tailed deer, mule deer and numerous species of songbirds also benefit from the habitat this project provides. An interpretive trail, boardwalks and observation areas have enhanced its educational value to hundreds of local students each year.
"I'm very honoured, but I'm also very proud that this special place will be here in Yorkton for a long, long time, thanks to our efforts. This one is close to home for our volunteers. These efforts enable our team of volunteers to see the direct results of our work, right here, in our own backyard," says Harris.
Harris and the Yorkton DUC Chapter have played an active role in raising the funds for project improvements to the boardwalk, trail and observation areas and the wetland itself. Once the Harris Conservation Project was completed, this energetic group of volunteers kept working, raising additional funding for similar wetland projects in need throughout the Yorkton area.
