Tom Smalling of Paragould, who’s been the chairman of Arkansas’ Greenwing youth waterfowl hunters program for eight years, now has another distinction to which to lay claim.
Ducks Unlimited said today that it has named its Legacy Greenwing project in Saskatchewan, Canada, in Smalling’s honor. “The Tom Smalling Marsh” is located in Cananda’s Allan Hills. The area is about 47 miles southeast of Saskatoon near the town of Allan, and its one of the most productive waterfowl areas in North America.
DU named the marsh in recognition’s of Smalling’s contributions as a long-time volunteer and supporter. Smalling is currently district chairman for DU in northeast Arkansas, as well as a DU state trustee and national delegate.
“DU is extremely fortunate to have volunteers like Tom whose passion for DU and conservation motivates them to give their time and support to our mission,” Jeff Lawrence, DU’s senior regional director for northern Arkansas, said in a news release.
“Naming this Greenwing project in Tom’s honor is a testament to his selfless commitment and generosity, and to the work he has done to ensure that Arkansas youth have the opportunity to get involved in conservation.”
Smalling and wife Rita, along with several Arkansas DU volunteers, were at the project site on Oct. 17 for the dedication ceremony.
The Legacy Greenwing membership program is open to youths up to age 17. Legacy Greenwing membership funds help support a waterfowl habitat project on the Canadian breeding grounds. Members’ names are cast on a bronze plaque placed at the project site.
The Tom Smalling Marsh consists of 97 acres of dense nesting cover, about 24 acres of wetland and about 40 acres of native parkland. DU noted that Saskatchewan contributes more than 60 percent of all ducks harvested in Arkansas each year.
Arkansas has more Legacy Greenwing projects in Canada than any other state. Its sixth project, also in Saskatchewan, will be announced in early February.
