Organization quacks for conservation

David Camargo

Since 2001, the WKU Ducks Unlimited chapter has worked to preserve environments where waterfowl and other wildlife live. Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest private, nonprofit waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization.

There are currently over 20 members at WKU who fundraise for the organization’s national headquarters, located in Memphis.

“The thing that means the most is saving the habitats for the ducks,” said Elizabethtown junior Dylan Gipson, who has been a member of Ducks Unlimited for over three years.

Senior Gabe Baker of Bowling Green has been a member of WKU Ducks Unlimited for over three years. Baker is designing T-shirts to be sold at the WKU Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet and Auction on Nov. 19 at the Agricultural Exposition Center.

“I always do my part,” Baker said. “I do what I am supposed to do.”

Since 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres of waterfowl habitat across North America.

“Our work is as important now as it was 77 years ago,” George Dunklin, the national president of Ducks Unlimited, said in a press release. “We should be proud of what we have accomplished, but as any of our dedicated volunteers will tell you, our job is never done.”

Baker hopes the banquet will be a good way to raise money and benefit the organization’s efforts.

Another member, Bowling Green senior Tyler Hollis, compared the WKU Ducks Unlimited chapter to campus Greek life because of the members’ familial bond as they pursue a common goal.

Hollis said he wanted to help preserve the wetlands so his and future generations can continue to enjoy them.

The chapter is open to new members and holds meetings every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in room 250 of the Environmental Sciences and Technology Building.