SIBLEY PROVINCIAL PARK NATURALIST PROGRAMME 



The Naturalist Programme which operated In Thunder Bay District at 

 boys and girls camps In 19^6 and 19^7 was re«lnltlated and reorganized 

 In 195^ with Its centre In Sibley Provincial Park. 



A headquarters was based at Lake Marie Louise In Sibley Park where 

 a tent "Nature Museum" containing over 85 specimens of fish, amphibians, 

 reptiles, birds and mammals was established. The museum was open to 

 the public on 10 week-ends and 20 week days through the sximmer. During 

 these 37 days, 680 people signed the visitors' register. 



Three Nature Trails were planned and one was labelled and put Into 

 operation. The labels described and named the flora along the trails 

 and Illustrated natural phenomena of special Interest. 225 hikers used 

 this trail from July 1st to October 11th. 



Eighteen public Nature Hikes were scheduled using six different 

 trails. 165 persons attended twelve of these conducted hikes. Six 

 hikes were cancelled. 



Nine evening Nature Talks Illustrated with coloxired slides and films 

 were held at five centres with audiences totalling 589 persons, (children 

 and adults). 



Fifteen Hikes and 11 Talks at four boys and girls camps visited on 

 11 occasions, enjoyed an attendance of 353 and 451 respectively (70 adults). 



Eight small projects Involving Park Improvements relative to the 

 Programme, were completed with the assistance of the Junior Rangers. A 

 limited programme of trapping and wildlife observation was carried on. 

 Pour methods were used to publicize the Naturalist Programme and the Park. 



By the combined operation of Public Hikes and Talks, Camp Hikes ajid 

 Talks, a Nature Trail and a Nature Museum, a total of 2,474 persons were 

 contacted during the two month period. This represents four to five 

 times the number of contacts made In previous years. 



There Is no doubt, from the evidence of this first year's operation 

 that a much more extensive prograunme, well advertised, can be established 

 In this area. That part of the public contacted, expressed their Interest 

 in and appreciation of this type of educational programme. 



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