PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release February 7, 2023

DUC is Manitoba’s oldest and largest conservation group and has protected 711,744 acres in the province since launching in 1938. For more about career opportunities, please visit: https://www.ducks.ca/about/careers

-30-

For more information, contact:

Glen Kirby

Communications Specialist – Manitoba

Ducks Unlimited Canada

204-402-0369 g_kirby@ducks.ca

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca

Backgrounder

Lisette Ross

Head, Wetlands Services – Native Plant Solutions

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide environmental services to clients based on science and natural processes, including: o treatment wetland lagoons that help communities meet wastewater regulatory targets o incorporating wetland and native grass elements into urban storm water designs

• Liaise with project partners and staff to design and deliver infrastructure projects

Education:

• Fort Richmond Collegiate, Winnipeg MB

• University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB o Bachelor of Science (Zoology) o Master of Science (Wetland soils and hydrological modeling) o Diploma, Non-profit Management

Quotes:

Being mentored and given opportunities by others to learn early in my career was what supported me in pursuing wetland ecology as a career.

The more diversity we can incorporate into our work and office environments, the better products and approaches we will possess for attaining our wetland and waterfowl conservation goals. We often want to promote or work alongside people who think like us. It may be easier but there is a danger in that. At NPS each of our projects requires a team of specialists and strategists to get our projects successfully built on the ground. Our team of varied skillsets, backgrounds, cultures and genders has been the key to our success.

Charlotte Crawley

Conservation Programs Specialist 4

Job Responsibilities:

• Establish and manage grass for nesting waterfowl

• Develop and implement landowner-based conservation programs

• Coordinate with industry partners on programs and funding initiatives

• Mentor colleagues

Education:

• University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB o Bachelor of Science (Animal Sciences)

Quotes:

Like farming, conservation – historically - has been a male-dominated industry. Women and girls are now at the forefront of many conservation efforts here in Manitoba and bringing diversity to the conservation field. There’s a quote I recently heard that I fell in love with: ‘Act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog’. If your heart is in it and you’re willing to work for it, women can do anything.

Abosede

Adeoye Head Finance, Conservation

Job Responsibilities:

• Preparation, implementation and monitoring of the Manitoba operations budget

• Quarterly projections and reports on variance, including conservation acre goals by program

• Manage the administrative team and ensure support for all programs

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (Accounting)

• Associate Chartered Accountant, Nigeria

• Master of Business Administration, University Canada West, Vancouver BC

Quotes:

I am a firm believer in the old African proverb, “If you educate a man, you educate an individual but if you educate a woman, you educate a family (nation).”

I acknowledge that women and girls often play a critical role in everyday management of natural resources in the family and community, hence when we are empowered or involved, it is easier to educate and influence other members of the family and community at large on the importance of conservation.