Popular Coastal Naturalist Returns To BC Ferries

COASTAL NATURALIST PROGRAM 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

On select sailings from June 29th - Sept. 3. 2012

BC Ferries and Parks Canada are teaming up once again to provide travellers
the opportunity to discover the world beneath the waves with the return of the Coastal Naturalist program. Over 165,000 customers participated in the onboard presentations last summer, which are interesting and educational for kids of all ages.

Nine Coastal Naturalists will provide 20-minute presentations to inform and inspire passengers about a wide variety of subjects, including B.C.’s wildlife and marine life and Parks Canada’s incredible places to visit. This year’s fun, interactive presentations will reveal exciting insights into the struggle for supremacy between eagles and herons, the magnificent species that make the Strait of Georgia worth protecting, the realities of living with cougars, wolves and bears, and many other distinctly West Coast wonders.

“Customer comments demonstrated overwhelming support for the program and a desire to see it continue in future years,” said Corrine Storey, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Customer Services. The 2012 season marks the seventh year of the popular Coastal Naturalist program onboard BC Ferries.

“Coastal Naturalists can bring the passing ocean and island ecosystems to life. When they are not delivering interactive presentations, passengers can find Coastal Naturalists on the outer decks sharing what’s happening on the Strait of Georgia that day, including the chance to spot eagles, seals and orcas,” said Silva Johansson, Public Outreach Education Officer for Parks Canada.

The Coastal Naturalists will be onboard the Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay and Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay route on select sailings from Friday, June 29 through Monday, September 3. For schedule details, visit www.bcferries.com.

BC Ferries and Parks Canada partner to provide the Coastal Naturalists program, acting as guides in helping passengers discover BC’s coastlines, and stewards in helping protect them. In British Columbia, Parks Canada manages seven national parks, one national marine conservation area reserve and 13 national historic sites, including Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in the Strait of Georgia and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site in Victoria. For more information on Parks Canada’s places visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca