Molly O’Keefe/Winonan

Winona State University’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be hosting a banquet in order to raise money for wetland preservation this Friday.

The event will take place at the Elk’s Lodge of Winona at 6:00 p.m.

The club, which started in 2009, has weekly meetings and does a number of different activities during the year, including attending the Ducks Unlimited State Convention. However, the annual banquet is one of their most important events.

“The banquet is very important to our club because it is our main fundraiser of the year and it is something to look forward to,” Brooke Benike, chapter secretary, said.

“It’s a time for our club members, friends, family and surrounding community members to come together, have fellowship, eat a great meal, raise money and have a good time,” Benike said.

The goal of the banquet is to raise more money to restore and preserve the wetlands. Josh Morrissey, who started the club, said “depending on how well we do with the banquet, we may receive national recognition,which we have already done three years now.”

So far the Winona State chapter of Ducks Unlimited has raised enough money to save 122 acres of wetland.

“The wetlands are being threatened by farming, invasive species, and drought,” said Pete Kuisle, club president.

Morrissey said wetland depletion affects everyone.

“All wildlife uses wetlands for habitat year round, such as deer, pheasants and songbirds. In fact, it goes beyond wildlife to us. If it’s not enough to need wetlands for recreation, humans need wetlands to maintain clean water.”

The banquet will include more than just a good meal.

“Our banquet has a variety of fun games, raffles, silent auction and of course food and drinks,” Morrissey said.

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