The Wye Marsh is proud to bring you our most exciting new program and a unique opportunity to explore winter at the marsh – WINTER ECOTOURS . This is your chance to go behind the scenes into the world of woodland and wetland research by getting into the thick of things during the winter months. One of our qualified and knowledgeable naturalist guides will lead you on a three hour snowshoe experience that will take you deep into the wooded areas of the 3600 acre Wye Marsh. This adventure could bring you face to face with forest creatures from Beavers to Deer, Porcupines to the Chickadees that eat right out of your hand. Winter is the best time for an up close look at our famous Trumpeter Swans numbering over 40 on any given day. With winter comes a new set of rules for animal survival and new ways for us to experience the excitement of nature.
Your day will include:
- A 3 hour (3 - 4 km) snowshoe trek (we provide or bring your own)
- Hands-on winter animal tracking and tree identification
- Hands-on winter survival techniques+ fire starting methods
- Research updates and swan information
- GPS workshop – You get to lead us home!
- Hot Chocolate and hotdogs over an open fire in the woods
Learn about wildlife through first hand experience!
Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the problems associated with woodland and wetland management while keeping you up to date on the latest research undertaken by the Wye Marsh staff. By learning the tips of tracking and birding, you will discover animal behaviours, characteristics and adaptations of some of Ontario's most interesting animals and birds in their forest paradise. This is truly a different and exciting winter adventure you'll be sure to remember.
Testimonial from customer Pauline Simpson: "On Feb. 17 my husband and I took the 3 hour snowshoe ecotour conducted by Adrian. We had a blast. Adrian is fun, professional and knowledgeable. When he showed us how to start a fire with ingredients I have in my makeup kit I knew for sure he was channeling the spirit of McGyver."
You will need: Water, snack, binoculars, weather appropriate clothing.
Book your tour with a group of 2 or more!
Cost: $50.00 per person
Every Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
(running from December 22nd to middle of March)
You will need: Water, snack, binoculars, weather appropriate clothing.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early!
Please Note: Snowshoeing is weather dependent, a hike will be substituted if snowshoeing not possible
Contact: reservations@wyemarsh or call (705) 526 7809
PRE-REGISTRATION AND PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED
(24 Hour Cancellation policy in effect)
Directions to Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland Ontario
Winter Ecotour Experience, by: Kirsten Larsen
From: Off the Beaten Track Adventures
Awakening to a clear morning, a reflection of the sun glistening from freshly
powdered snow upon the ground.
A temperature so fresh and crisp each breath can be noticed followed by the
enjoyment of the great outdoors.
With the mixture of softly settled snow and a pure outdoor atmosphere, our first
adventure takes us to the Wye Marsh in Midland, Ontario.
How can you walk on snow without sinking?
Snowshoeing was our chosen adventure activity for today.
Strapping on a traditional pair of wooden snow shoes seems much more exciting
knowing that it was the chosen method of transportation in winter long ago by
many aboriginals.
The winding path through the grounds of the Wye Marsh first led us to the
trumpeter swan migratory resting station. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable
guide, Adrian, informed us of the difficulties faced in re-populating the
endangered trumpeter swan in Ontario.
Plants were introduced to us that may prove useful or very harmful in the
wilderness. Examples included a few edible plants providing the proper nutrients
for survival in the wilderness, and a plant that will prove to be fatal if ingested.
The next destination along the trail route brought the group to a resting spot in
the forest where important winter survival skills and knowledge were explained in
detail.
The three most important orders of actions to remember when you are severely
lost in the wilderness are: find and build shelter, gather wood to start a fire and
signal for help.
Of course, your moments of worry become easier if you are prepared before you
set out on your journey. Having the appropriate items in your survival kit can be
the difference between an unexpected situation and very serious circumstances.
Simple items such as steel wool, batteries, cotton balls, flint and petro jelly can
improve the fire starting process dramatically.
Our minds were captivated as we roasted a hot dog and sipped on a coffee and
hot chocolate while these important skills were explained to us.
The easiest and most time efficient way of building your shelter is using the
classic A-frame shelter method.
Bringing a pencil and paper along with you can be a great way to document the
exciting or unfortunate moments of your journey. You could also try a cedar tea,
which is a great way to enjoy the surroundings of nature.
Navigation is also an important factor in determining your direction and location.
Do you have a watch? A basic, not commonly known navigation technique can
be used with this simple item. A general understanding of the compass and
GPS was explained as we found our way back to the reception area in the park.
A knowledgeable and important understanding of the significance of the Wye
Marsh, wilderness animals and vegetation as well as winter survival summarizes
a great afternoon in the fresh and crisp winter of February.
If you are interested in the eco-tour, contact info@wyemarsh.com or
call (705) 526-7809 for more details or reservations.
By: Kristin Larsen
Off the Beaten Track Adventures
