Conservation Education Priority
Perhaps the most important thing that today's DU supporters can do for wetlands and waterfowl is to inspire and recruit a new generation of conservationists among our youth. And now is the perfect time to get involved. Never in DU's history has there been a greater focus and commitment on youth and education. DU's Greenwing program attracts junior members to the organization by the tens of thousands, our new Varsity chapter program is growing by leaps and bounds in high schools, and the University program continues to gain momentum on college campuses across the nation.
Ducks Unlimited Life Sponsor and committee volunteer Dave Waters of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is among many DU volunteers who are now actively engaged in DU's youth programs. A substitute teacher at Sussex Technical High School, he was instrumental in founding and advising Delaware's first Varsity chapter there. With a membership of more than 20 students, the chapter has hosted two successful fundraising dinners and provides support for the state's annual Greenwing Youth Conservation Festival.
"I've always had a love of the outdoors and education," Dave said. "With the interest of the students at Sussex Tech High, it just seemed natural to start a DU Varsity committee. I had a lot of help from my friend and faculty electronics teacher, Anthony Carmen, as well as from other teachers and the school's administration. We now have a group of students with some great volunteer experience who will be able to join a University chapter or one of our committees in the community."
Just like Dave, you can make a difference in the lives of our young people and create a brighter future for wetlands and waterfowl conservation by supporting DU's conservation education efforts through the Rescue Our Wetlands campaign today.