Ontario resort builds a wetlands eco-boardwalk to heighten public support for conservation

The four-season Pine Vista Resort on Stoney Lake, Ontario, has unveiled a new, natural boardwalk through the property’s extensive wetlands to let guests safely experience the natural wonders of the many resident creatures and plant life that make the wetland ecosystem their home without damaging the land’s fragile ecosystem.

Located in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region on the shores of Stoney Lake, Pine Vista Resort is an award winning cottage resort for nature lovers of all ages, perfect for any family summer vacation, fishing weekend, romantic couples retreat or girls getaway.

With ecotoursim being one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, the resort’s new construction aims to develop a better understanding of the natural environment and developing a moment to protect it. Teeming with life, the resort’s wetlands boast diverse and abundant species of animals and fauna, including dozens of different species of birds.

Guests are invited to spend a few hours observing the wildlife on display and share their experiences and sightings with others via a trailside log book. A log book is available trailside so that guests may share with others their experiences and sightings.

Connecting kids to nature

During the summer, the boardwalk will be used in Pine Vista’s Kids Klub program – a place for kids to learn about the various components of our natural environment in a way that they can understand and that is fun for them.

Under the guidance of program leaders, the children will be using the information collected in the boardwalk sighting log to learn about the significance of wetlands, and their importance to the health and sustainability of the planet.

“Through our interpretative programs it is our goal to promote interest by developing an understanding of our role as humans to share, respect and care for natural systems that all creatures call home,” said Pine Vista Resort owner Bonnie Hamilton.

Nature-oriented tourism “makes sense”

Out-door recreation and environmentally sustainable tourism is building in popularity among Canadians. More and more people are participating in outdoor recreation due to greater awareness of the importance of health and fitness.

A number of outdoor, nature-based, non-consumptive recreation activities have experienced significant growth, while bird watching is rapidly becoming one of the most popular nature-based activities in Canada, followed by hiking and back-packing.

“Preserving our wetlands just makes sense,” added Hamilton. “Not only because it is the right thing to do but also because protected wildlife areas can make a significant economic contribution to communities. Rapidly growing activities like bird watching directly benefit areas that depend on tourism. Bird watchers and other eco tourists visit areas that actively protect the environment. We are pleased that Pine Vista Resort can play a part in protecting the environment and sustaining eco-friendly tourism.”

For more information, visit www.pinevista.com.