In The News

For Immediate Release

Environmental Education at Wye Marsh Benefits from Ontario Government Funding

Midland-Tay Township Ontario, Canada…………July, 2009. Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland Ontario was the site of a significant funding announcement from the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund--part of the Ministry of Natural Resources' http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/index.html). This year the Ministry of Natural Resources has granted $12,000 to support species at risk inventories for the Wye Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area. This will provide the necessary information to ensure habitats are protected and taken into consideration in any future land use planning.

The Friends of the Wye Marsh has been a significant developer of environment education programs in the Province of Ontario and has consistently provided outdoor natural experiences programs including to school groups, visitors and international tourists for more than 25 years. The Wye Marsh is a significant part of Ontario’s growing Eco Tourism Industry.

Executive Director, Laurie Schutt indicated that, “Help from the Ministry of Natural Resources is imperative if we are to continue our leadership role as one of Canada’s leading educators about the natural environment.”

The Wye Marsh provides on-site education with the help of more than 300 volunteers who are passionate about the natural environment and recognize the importance of environmental stewardship through continuing education.

On hand were representatives from many of the 10 organizations receiving funding including the Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources. The day’s events included a tour of the education centre, a close up encounter with a raptor and a hike on the Wye Marsh site.

Cansfield said, “ "I'm impressed with the leadership and commitment shown by the organizations, groups and individuals who are volunteering their time to protect and recover our most vulnerable species and their habitats," Working together we can reverse the rate of species decline in Ontario and ensure future generations enjoy and benefit from a healthy and diverse natural
Environment."

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre www.wyemarsh.com is located 35 minutes northwest of Barrie Ontario in the heart of Southern Georgian Bay’s Historic Resort Destination in the Wye Valley, in Midland Ontario. The Centre continues to provide outdoor experiences and environmental education for school groups, Scouts and Guides, and international visitors. The centre is open year round, seven days a week, allowing seasonal outdoor experiences in the winter, spring, summer and fall.

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Media wishing to write travel stories on Ontario’s great outdoors at the Wye Marsh should contact Denise Brophey (705) 526-7809 to arrange for dates and times.

The Honourable Donna Cansfield, Minsister of Natural Resources with Laurie Schutt, Executive Director of the Wye Marsh.