Luke Ehler (he/him)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

To me, the key to building a sustainable and equitable future is helping people see themselves as part of the change that will bring about that future. That is why I’m a champion of expanding access to quality outdoor experiential education programming–especially for youth. Using direct experiences, followed by focused reflection, I create impactful opportunities for learning and growth that can last a lifetime.

I spent 5 years launching and growing two national education programs with the Canadian Wildlife Federation for youth ages 15-30. Both are no-cost programs designed to provide barrier-free opportunities for young Canadians to connect with nature and engage with conservation, using action and adventure to address feelings of apathy and eco-anxiety. To date, these programs have directly engaged thousands of youth through hundreds of community service projects across the nation that provide tangible benefits to nature, communities, and participants. I am currently working with Ducks Unlimited Canada, coordinating their national Youth Conservation Network programs, which seeks to connect with and provide opportunities to post-secondary students interested in conservation careers and the outdoors.

It is my hope to empower others to succeed and inspire a sense of hope that they, and so many others, can and are making a difference to create a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

My journey began with my early experiences exploring the coastline of Nova Scotia, igniting my curiosity and reverence for nature. As I grew older and witnessed humanity's impact on the environment, my childhood curiosity evolved into a passionate commitment to creating a sustainable future. I started as a camp counselor and later founded my high school’s Green Team to promote environmental awareness among my peers. While studying environmental science in university, I created a co-op placement to revitalize the campus radio station and founded a student club which fosters community and skill development. During my studies, I recognized the need for better public understanding of natural sciences and sought to address this need through education. After graduating, I participated in the Canadian Conservation Corps program to gain more experience in the environmental education space.

In the end, all of these previous experiences, most of which involved volunteering at some point, led me to coordinating education programs for Hope for Wildlife in Nova Scotia, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Green Calgary, and now for Ducks Unlimited Canada. These diverse experiences reinforced my belief that when individuals are connected to nature and given a shared vision to work towards, they can create monumental impacts.

Overall, my journey has been defined by a relentless drive to bridge gaps between scientific knowledge and public understanding. I believe that education is key to inspiring action and preserving our natural world.

How can people learn more about or support your work?

You can learn more about my work with DUC's Youth Conservation Network or other Education programs, including the Youth Advisory Council and Campus Clubs, by visiting our website. To stay up to date on what's happening, follow us on social media (duc_youth) and sign up for the YCN newsletter.

You can also support the much broader conservation work being done by Ducks Unlimited Canada by volunteering, becoming a DUC donor, or through partnerships, land conservation agreements, and more! 

A Little More About Me

What keeps you hopeful for the future?

Remembering that the ripples of our positive actions will have more impact than we may realize today.

What book, film, or art piece has had the greatest impact on you?

Don’t even think about it: Why our brains are wired to ignore climate change by George Marshall

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Ability to communicate with animals.

How do you recharge?

Exercise, sleep, and time spent outdoors.