Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is celebrating the people behind its conservation impact as part of National Volunteer Week 2026, recognizing volunteer champions from every province and naming Saskatchewan's Ron Schaal as its National Volunteer of the Year.
National Volunteer of the Year Honored
For more than 40 years, Schaal has helped shape conservation in rural Saskatchewan, building strong community support for wetland conservation while mentoring the next generation of volunteers. His leadership reflects the spirit of volunteerism that powers DUC's work across Canada.
I was always interested in Ducks Unlimited Canada because I have hunted all my life. I had also been a member of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation since 1973, Schaal says. The main thing that pushed me to get involved with Ducks was the Crane Lake project they had worked on. When I went out to take a look at it, I thought that the work they had done to support the duck and goose population there was phenomenal, he adds. There are a lot of farms and ranches out here. I was really interested in the programs they offered for farmers because they are so helpful.
One of Schaal's favourite examples is the Forage program, which helps ranchers increase quality feed on their properties by providing financial support for seeding land to feed or pasture.
Provincial Volunteer Champions Recognized
Volunteers are the pillar of our success, says Pat O'Connor, president of DUC's volunteer board of directors. Across the country, their efforts help us conserve and manage wetlands and associated habitats for the benefit of waterfowl, wildlife and people.
DUC's provincial volunteer champions represent the strength, diversity and local impact of conservation efforts nationwide:
- Danica Jackson-Park (Newfoundland and Labrador) — Inspiring the next generation by bringing hands-on conservation into classrooms and communities.
- Anita O'Connor (Prince Edward Island) — A dedicated leader whose community-driven events have strengthened conservation efforts across the region.
- Jonathan Manser (Nova Scotia) — A lifelong fisherman connecting coastal livelihoods with wetland conservation.
- Nicole LeBlanc and Serge Dupuis (New Brunswick) — Community builders behind one of the province's most successful conservation fundraising events.
- Philip Holsgrove (Quebec) — Expanding awareness and engagement through education and the province's first Duck and Run event.
- Terry Olsen (Ontario) — A legacy volunteer dedicated to youth engagement and hands-on conservation for more than four decades.
- Nicole DePauw (Manitoba) — A steady leader supporting volunteers and strengthening conservation programs across the province.
- Carla Guenard (Alberta) — Providing critical financial leadership to support conservation efforts for more than 20 years.
- Mac Leask Jr. (British Columbia) — Bringing energy and connection to community fundraising efforts that support wetlands and wildlife.
DUC volunteers at events like the highly successful Ride to the Lake, returning July 17, 2026, demonstrate the ongoing commitment to conservation. This recognition during National Volunteer Week underscores the vital role volunteers play in preserving Canada's natural heritage.
