Impressive Programs At Bon Echo

Derek Maggs | Jul 07, 2011

The Natural Heritage Education (NHE) program at Bon Echo Provincial Park is considered one of the best in Ontario. NHE Coordinator Lisa Roach and her staff of 10 provide varied and intriguing daily programs for campers and day visitors to Bon Echo. Last summer over 52,000 people participated in NHE programs. From Sciensational Sssnakes!! to boat tours aboard the Wanderer, to daily programs for the younger set, to nature hikes, to a 3 day art show, to Amphitheatre programs with special speakers and musicians to teachings with the First Peoples, the Bon Echo NHE program provides education and entertainment for all ages.

The Friends of Bon Echo make possible the significant NHE program at the Park. Annual support of over $50,000 enables the doubling of the NHE staff and provides funding for special programming. The goal of the Friends of Bon Echo is to help protect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Park. This heritage is passed on through many forms of enjoyable educational activities. The weekly schedule of NHE activities (Monday to Sunday) is posted on the Friends website on the preceding Thursday of each week. http://www.bonechofriends.ca/WEEKAheadF.pdf

On Saturday July 9 the Park welcomes back Traditional Teachings with members of Ardoch First Nation who will provide insight into their culture and heritage. Join staff, elders, and traditional people for a night of sharing at 7pm at the Children’s Program Area.

The United Nations has designated 2011 The International Year of Forests. We are pleased to welcome Laurentian University professor Dr. Mark Kuhlberg to help us celebrate the vital roles that forests play in our daily lives. Dr. Kuhlberg will be the first of two programs the Friends will host this summer recognizing the significant contribution of forests to the planet. Dr. Kuhlberg’s presentation in the Amphitheatre will take place on July 15 at 7:30pm. For this special event the Friends will cover the cost of vehicle entry to the Park after 7pm.

Attention avid canoeists! Sunday July 17, 8 pm at the Amphitheatre, Kevin Callan, the renowned author and blogger who has just released his latest book, “Top 50 Canoe Routes of Ontario”, will be speaking about the most scenic canoe routes in the province. Kevin will share photos and stories about places such as the York River, Barron Canyon, and Lake Superior. Join him for a fun and an informative night and get some ideas for your next canoe trip.

The 16th annual Bon Echo Art Exhibition and Sale will take place on July 22, 23, 24. Join us for a festive weekend of original art, special music, Sciensational Sssnakes!!, kid’s activities and great food.

Details of special events and other activities are posted on the Friends website. For most events vehicle admission applies. http://BonEchoFriends.ca or 613-336-0830.