Villagers form local chapter of Ducks Unlimited for those interested in environmental preservation

By CAROLINE KLAPPER, DAILY SUN

Monday, November 23, 2009 12:00 AM EST

THE VILLAGES — During the years of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, farmers weren’t the only ones who suffered from drought conditions.

Wetlands, marshes and other habitats began to dry up, forcing out much of the wildlife.

With waterfowl habitats disappearing at an alarming rate, hunters and sportsmen took action to preserve those environments and thereby preserve their sport.

In 1937, Ducks Unlimited was founded with the mission of conserving and restoring wetlands for North America’s waterfowl.

As the years have passed, the national organization has become more and more dedicated to environmental preservation.

For Stu Reynolds, of the Village of Virginia Trace, the Ducks Unlimited mission also has been his own, because he has been an active member for 50 years.

“I’ve been interested in what they did,” he said. “As things have progressed over the years, Ducks Unlimited has become more and more of an environmental organization, and a very effective one. We’re saving wetlands.”

A new chapter in conservation

When he moved to The Villages, Reynolds was happy to see that there were several natural preserves throughout the development, and he decided to establish a local chapter of Ducks Unlimited for residents with the help of co-chairwoman, Joanna McCully.

The Ducks Unlimited Villages Chapter was formed only a few months ago, but members already are pursuing ways to get involved in local conservation and wildlife preservation.

“I have heard of Ducks Unlimited for a long time, and I am a nature lover,” said Pam Cobb, of the Village of Hemingway. “When I came to The Villages, I wanted to be on board as soon as possible.”

One of the group’s first projects is the wood duck nesting program, in which special wooden boxes are installed near water to encourage wood ducks to nest safely inside.

The Ducks Unlimited group recently received permission to install these boxes on the private property of any resident of The Villages who wants to participate.

The boxes will be donated free of charge by the Ducks Unlimited Villages Chapter.

“What we’re going to do for any Villager who wants it is we’ll pay for it, build it, put it in and maintain it,” Reynolds said.

The only qualification is that the property where the duck boxes are installed must be within 200 yards of water.

The wood duck (and some other bird species) will nest in the box, and when the ducklings are old enough, they will jump out and make their way to the water.

Each box is made from cypress wood and installed on a pole to prevent predators from getting to the nest.

A beautiful thing

Reynolds said the boxes are well worth installing, if only for the privilege of watching the beautiful birds come and go as they raise their ducklings.

“If you’ve never seen a wood duck, it’s the prettiest duck,” he said, describing the boldly colored males of the species.

For residents of The Villages who wish to participate in the program but do not live near water, duck box sponsorships are available for a cost of $100.

People also can participate by becoming a member of Ducks Unlimited or a sponsor of The Villages chapter.

The organization is great for anyone who is interested in wetlands and wildlife conservation, Cobb said, adding that the duck boxes are a small way to help.

“I think it’s fabulous,” she said. “I think ducks and birds bring such enjoyment to all age groups. The promotion of natural habitats and wildlife is so important. It’s just one more part of conserving what we have here in The Villages.”

Future plans for the group include a fundraising Wild Game Banquet on Feb. 26 at Savannah Center.

Plans for the banquet still are being finalized, but the evening will involve a silent auction, more than $10,000 in chance drawing prizes and an awards ceremony for the winners of a wildlife art and photography contest the club is sponsoring.

The Ducks Unlimited Villages Chapter normally meets at 3:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at Churchill Street Recreation Center. Due to renovations at Churchill Street Recreation Center, the group currently is meeting at Allamanda Recreation Center and dates may vary. For information, call Stu Reynolds at 750-5057 or Joanna McCully at 750-9454.

Caroline Klapper is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9018, or caroline.klapper@thevillagesmedia.com.