Edu-Tourism Programs

"Edu-Tourism®" is a program designed by Nature Trails¨ to educate participants about the real underlying issues pertaining to the techniques and collection of scientific research data in a working environment. Within that process, Nature Trails¨ has created an "Edu-Tourism®" experience for individuals seeking adventure in a learning and participatory environment.

In 2003 Nature Trails® partnered with Algonquin Provincial Park (Ministry of Natural Resources) and the Harkness Laboratory of Fisheries Research, to develop an innovative research and education program. The program was designed to allow the general public a hands-on opportunity to collect scientific data for the Harkness Laboratory and learn about the intricacies of aquatic, terrestrial and wildlife research on Lake Opeongo in Algonquin Provincial Park. Participants worked along side research assistants, collecting data through: Lake Trout telemetry, seine netting, water quality testing, dissolved oxygen and temperature recording, water bird surveys, evasive plant and cormorant distribution, nesting surveys and identification of microscopic organisms found throughout the Lake Opeongo watershed. These introductory programs have been designed to allow participants an opportunity to experience, learn and contribute to a variety of scientific endeavors.

Nature Trails® and Edu-Tourism® are currently developing a wildlife research program to include the Yukon. Our proposed project is to initiate the same concept currently in place in Algonquin Provincial Park. Participants would join the research team in collecting scientific data along the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Lake Lebarge. Our research protocol will be designed by the Yukon Fish and Game Authority and administered by the Nature Trails® naturalist staff onboard. This type of programming has been designed to allow the participant an opportunity to explore, learn and contribute to the ongoing protection of our Canadian wilderness destinations.