ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK NATURALIST PROGRAMME 



Although the Algonquin Park Naturalist Programme has been In 

 operation since 19^3* this was only the second year for the Nature 

 Museum. . The Programme consisted of illustrated lectures, conducted 

 hikes, labelled nature trails, and special programmes for children's 

 camps. 



In the Museum were displayed live fish, amphibians and reptiles, 

 and mounted specimens of birds and mammals. Although the specimens 

 were representative of the Park, they were arranged in a way which 

 stressed the importance of the animal in the natural environment and 

 its value to man. During Musexom hours a Park Naturalist was on duty 

 to answer questions concerning the Park and its wildlife. 



The Museum opened on May 1 and was open during week-ends until 

 June when it was kept open seven days per week until September 30. 

 During October it was open only during week-ends. During the period 

 May 1 to October 31 the museum register was signed by 67*304 visitors 

 of whom 8k% were Canadian, 13;^ were American and 3^ were from other 

 countries. Of the total registration 82^^ were from Ontario. 



A programme consisting of a brief talk illustrated with slides 

 and a film was given every afternoon at the Museum during the summer 

 season. Topics, such as deer, bear, beaver, forest communities, and 

 predators were discussed. There were 64 afternoon programmes and these 

 were attended by a total of 3,259 visitors. 



An evening programme of illustrated lectures and films was 

 presented during three even ngs each week. A variety of subjects were 

 discussed at greater length and with more detail. A total of 2,539 

 people attended the 30 evening programmes. 



The four labelled nature trails were continued. These trails led 

 from the highway and enabled the visitor to walk a mile or more into 

 the forest. Along each trail labels named and described the various 

 trees, shrubs and other plant life- Evidence of animal life was noted 

 where possible. During the period June 24 - October 31 the trail 



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