July 9, 2015 (Orillia) — Scales Nature Park, an education and conservation facility focused on Canadian reptiles and amphibians, and featuring the most complete live collection of these creatures, is pleased to announce that it will be celebrating its 6th Anniversary on July 11th, 2015 with another fun-filled day of activities at the centre. Once again the event will be raising funds for the upcoming Georgian Bay Turtle Hospital with its giant silent auction. Items this year include an original painting of a Blanding’s turtle by local artist Lena Gilchrist.
Activities will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and include interpretive walks and talks, animal ‘touch time’ and reptile displays, a peek into the baby reptile nursery, a huge silent auction, nature themed cookies and cupcakes by artistic Orillia baker Jennifer Douglas, of Vanilla Sprinkle & Co., guided walks, tours, free lunch, games and crafts for the young ones, and much more. Live music will be provided by special guest singer/songwriter Tori Hathaway, guitarist Hayden George and Scales Nature Park’s very own talented musician, Josh Porter. Admission for Scales Nature Park will be 25% off! Call ahead for group rates.
“We are excited about holding this event again, and it’s a great opportunity for people to see some of the changes in the nature centre this year,” says Jeff Hathaway, owner of Scales Nature Park. “We are also hoping to raise more funds to move the Georgian Bay Turtle Hospital closer to operational status and be ready to accept turtles that have been hit by cars by next year.”
With funding from Shell FuellingChange™ in 2014, some necessary modifications to get the Georgian Bay Turtle Hospital ready were completed, such as upgraded insulation, and replacement doors. This year, the hope is to raise enough to purchase holding tanks, shelving, pumps, and supplies needed to house injured turtles within the facility. Turtles are not yet coming to the Georgian Bay Turtle Hospital, and should continue to be sent to Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre for treatment. For more information or to donate online, go to www.gbth.ca.
As well, the Saving Turtles at Risk Today (START) Muskoka Turtle Project, in partnership with Laurentian University, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Rogers Foundation and other organizations, will have turtle technicians on hand to show how to help turtles cross the road safely, demonstrate turtle tracking techniques, and answer questions. If you spot a “rare, nesting, or injured” turtle in Muskoka, you can call or text the turtle hotline at 705-955-4284. For more information about the project, or volunteer opportunities, email startmuskoka@gmail.com.
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About Scales Nature Park
Scales Nature Park is a conservation facility focused on Canadian reptiles and amphibians, featuring the most complete live collection of these creatures for use in hands-on educational programming. Its exhibit hall features the largest live collection of Canadian reptiles and amphibians, providing unparalleled opportunities for learning about these creatures. Local species are the focus for its outreach and educational programming as well, but the centre is also home to some exotic species which are primarily rescued reptiles. The Park is located near Orillia, with outreach programs conducted across Ontario. Scales Nature Park’s hands-on outreach presentations can be booked for any event, school or other group, and are popular with both adults and children. Contact them today to schedule your presentation. There are also opportunities for volunteers to get involved at Scales Nature Park, the START Muskoka Turtle Project and with any of their other ongoing activities. To learn more, visit www.scalesnaturepark.ca
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat by informing and educating Canadians, advocating responsible human actions and representing wildlife on conservation issues. CWF is funded entirely by people who want Canada’s future to include healthy wildlife and natural areas, as well as the many environmental, economic, health and social benefits they provide. Visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca for more information.
About the Canadian Wildlife Foundation
The Canadian Wildlife Foundation is a national not-for-profit charitable foundation dedicated to supporting the work of the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF). Funds help deliver a wide variety of conservation programs, research, education, awareness campaigns and endangered species funding. To learn more, visit CanadianWildlifeFoundation.org.
For More Information, Contact:
Jeff Hathaway
Founder & Owner, Scales Nature Park
info@scalesnaturepark.ca
(705) 327-2808
Pam Logan
Director of Communications
Canadian Wildlife Federation
paml@cwf-fcf.org
(613)222-1405
Jerika Bradford
Communications Officer
Canadian Wildlife Federation
jerikab@cwf-fcf.org
613-599-9594 ext.219
