Youth Taking Flight for Wetlands & Waterfowl

For many of us, birds were our first connection to nature. Whether it’s mimicking the honking of geese, marvelling at a nest with blue-speckled robin eggs, or watching hawks soar overhead, birds inspire curiosity and wonder.

Many of the birds that call Canada home share a vital connection: they depend on the Americas Flyways. These remarkable migratory routes stretch from the Arctic all the way to the southern tip of South America.

But the wetlands that support these journeys are disappearing. With fewer safe places to rest and refuel, protecting migratory birds requires stronger cooperation across borders.

Despite these challenges, young people are stepping up to help.

Youth Taking the Lead

The Pacific Americas Flyway Youth Forum is a three-day virtual international gathering  from November 7-9, 2025, which will bring together hundreds of young conservationists from across the Pacific Americas flyway, including local voices from Canada.

“The opportunity of meeting fellow committed young people around the world who are tirelessly doing their part in protecting the ecosystem, despite the countless challenges we come across in our daily lives, was an inspiration,” shared Awa Joof, a past participant of a Youth Flyway Forum event.

Co-hosted by a multitude of partners including Youth Engaged in Wetlands, World Wetland Network and Living Lakes Canada, this free event will strengthen skills and knowledge, build critical networks, and empower youth to lead wetland conservation in their communities.

As the charitable sponsor of the event, Living Lakes Canada is dedicated to making this event accessible and impactful. To reach more youth, amplify their work, and provide meaningful support, we need your help!

Wetlands are Drying

Living Lakes was founded in the headwaters of the Columbia River, where the Columbia Wetlands form a critical link in the Pacific Americas Flyway.  Over 160 bird species, including at-risk Tundra Swans, depend on this wetland network for survival.

However, these internationally recognized and RAMSAR-designated wetlands are drying. Some locations that used to hold open water all year-round have seen it shrink by more than 16% in recent decades.

Local partners like the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners (CWSP) are leading restoration efforts. As a founding member, Living Lakes has supported CWSP in installing beaver dam analogues, human-made structures that help wetlands better retain water and support migratory habitat. Planning is also underway for a large-scale restoration project to help keep water on the landscape.

But protecting wetlands and flyways takes leadership. And that’s why empowering youth is so important for the future of the Columbia Wetlands, the Pacific Americas Flyway, and bird populations across Canada and beyond.

Why Your Support Matters

Young leaders in wetland conservation face many challenges, including lack of funding, limited access to training, and fewer opportunities to showcase their work. Your donation today will help overcome these barriers by supporting over 200 Pacific Americas Flyway Youth Forum attendees to:

• Build their skills and capacity for wetland and bird conservation
• Connect with peers, experts, and organizations throughout the flyway
• Gain visibility for their important conservation efforts
• Inspire and empower them to pursue their ideas and solutions with hope

“Looking back on every aspect of the meeting from discussions to group work and fieldwork has really empowered me,” said Chukwuike Ebuzome, another previous Youth Flyway Forum participant.

Donate today to directly support the Pacific Americas Flyway Youth Form and help train the next generation of wetland defenders.