A night out for nature

BY SARA KEDDY

editor@berwickregister.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

The high-fliers and those in-for-a-fin fit right in at the annual Ducks Unlimited dinner and fundraising auction April 25 in Wolfville.

Once the dust settles from the mixed live and silent auction, special draws, door prizes, raffles and unique giveaways all named to suit the charity, the Valley branch of DU expects to clear $20,000 for projects to improve wetlands, conservation and education. “Our chapter began in 1983, and we’re acting and heading in the right direction,” said MC Gren Jones. “There are great people here making contributions to wetlands and conservation.”

Within a 25-kilometre range of Kentville, DU has 27 different projects, some of which started over 30 years ago. They cover 225 acres of wetland and another 53 acres of upland associated with wetland projects.

Over half a million dollars has been invested in those projects over the years. One of the biggest recent works was the Miner’s Marsh development in Kentville, which the town is continuing to back with a proposed bridge access for pedestrians. Valley-raised money continues to support those projects, and is pooled with provincial funds for work around Nova Scotia.

Acadia University Chancellor and a DU past-president Arthur Irving welcomed guests. “All of us here tonight are very proud to be partners,” he said.