WYE MARSH LEADS ONTARIO IN ENVIRONMENTAL TOURISM

Tay Township, Midland Ontario………August , 2007. Ontario’s Wye Marsh is leading the way in developing interactive environmental activities appealing to the increased tourist demand for ecological friendly experiences. “Behind The Scenes” programs range from a behind the scenes look at the Trumpeter Swans, Birds of Prey to a canoe eco-tour deep into the Wye Valley wetlands. Programs are suitable for anyone six years of age or older with costs starting at $40. per person for a two hour program which includes a day pass to the facilities at Wye Marsh. Custom designed programs for groups are priced separately. Programs run throughout the year. Prepayment and advanced reservations are required.

Laurie Schutt, Executive Director at the Wye Marsh says, “Our Behind The Scenes programs bring our natural world into perspective in a friendly and informative way. Many of our first time visitors often become nature enthusiasts and rave about their experience.”

The Outings Group of the Canadian Federation of University Women recently experienced a behind the scenes canoe eco-tour and made the following comments in a letter after their visit.

“The Wye Marsh is a wonderful … resource staffed with knowledgeable and impassioned staff, which we encourage everyone to experience. Its simple, unspoiled beauty reminds us our entire true place in the world and the importance of harmony with nature. Our compliments to a well-presented nature facility with excellent and diverse programming.”

Schutt adds, “We feel our programs create a sense of ‘awe’ with participants and they leave with the understanding that they too can make a difference with their newly acquired information on how environment plays into so many aspects of their lives.”

Wye Marsh naturalists have developed three significant areas of interest for behind the scenes tours in addition to the Canoe Eco Tour. They include Trumpeter Swans, Birds of Prey, and Amphibians & Reptiles of Georgian Bay. Each of the programs is limited in size to optimize dialogue and participation with each of the participants. Groups are limited to 10.

As an example participants in the Amphibians & Reptiles program will learn about the handling, safety, and animal keeping; find out what is involved in a day in the life of a reptile keeper; get up close and personal with some of Ontario’s snakes, turtles, and amphibians; complete a canoe turtle survey through the channels of the Wye Marsh.

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is located 35 minutes northwest of Barrie in Tay Township in the heart of Southern Georgian Bay’s Historic Resort Destination near Midland Ontario.

For additional information contact Wye Marsh at 705 526-7809.
Go to the website Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre http://www.wyemarsh.com/

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Media working on environmental education or travel related stories wishing to participate (as our guest) in a Behind the Scenes Program should contact Denise Brophey at 705-526-7809 to arrange for dates and times. Or by e-mail info@wyemarsh.com