CARLYLE - Jessica Tremblay began working for Ducks Unlimited as a student in Regina from 2006-2008.
She participated in a study, Spatial and Temporal Variation in Nesting Success of Prairie Ducks. It was affectionately called SPATs, and it examined how waterfowl success varies relative to landscape composition throughout the Prairies.
In 2008, Tremblay moved to southeast Saskatchewan, but her heart remained with Ducks Unlimited. Wetland conservation always stayed in the back of her mind, as it was something she wanted to return to.
While living in Carlyle, she received the opportunity to work with Ducks Unlimited full time doing land securement in 2021.
After the regulations from COVID-19 settled down, fundraising events started back up and Tremblay decided to step out of her comfort zone and put on her first fundraising event in Carlyle, which is near and dear to her heart.
On March 15 at the Carlyle Memorial Hall, a fundraiser for Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) took place, with over 70 people in attendance. It was also a tribute to a long-time member who had recently died, Dale Garling.
A meal was prepared and served by Weir’s Catering and several games were set up, and later a live auction took place. Auctioneer Ken McCulloch made sure to get people bidding for a great cause.
Garling and his wife Cindy had dedicated 15 years to supporting DUC throughout Kisbey and Arcola, and his family was asked to attend in his honour.
Kylie McRae from DUC was thrilled with the turnout and the support they received at the banquet.
“My highlight of the night was seeing a table full of Garling’s family having a fun night,” said McRae.
“It was an honour to acknowledge the memory of Dale Garling, who was instrumental in organizing the past 15-plus years of Moose Mountain Duck suppers,” said McRae.
“A lot of time goes into organizing a night like this, so it was rewarding to see a successful night,” she said.
Rhonda Garling is married to Garling’s son Jeremy, and she said the tribute was very touching and they were honoured to be at the event with the family.
Garling always had a love for anything wildlife and this was the reason he joined DUC.
In attendance from the family was Garling’s widow Cindy, their oldest surviving son Jeremy, Garling’s third son Blake, his youngest son Trevor, and his sister Lorraine Fellner. Devin, the second oldest son, was unable to attend.
The evening, although emotional for the Garling family, was heartfelt and warm, and they appreciated all the kind words spoken about their father and husband.
Tremblay and McRae are thankful for all the help they received to put the event together and all the businesses and individuals who supported this DUC evening.
