The “Big Flap” At Midland Ontario’s Wye Marsh

The “Big Flap” At Midland Ontario’s Wye Marsh

Midland, Ontario… The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, home to Ontario’s Trumpeter Swan, is embarking on an ambitious fund raising program to secure the long-term future population of Trumpeters in Eastern Canada. In order to accomplish this ambitious task the Wye Marsh has established a unique raffle to raise the $100,000 needed by March of 2006.

“ The goal is to move past the 100 wild breeding pairs and a population of more than 1000, whereby fully securing the future of these wonderful birds in Eastern Canada” says Laurie Schutt, Director of the Wye Marsh.

The first phase of the re-introduction program started in l982 has taken more then 20 years to see the Ontario population grow to approximately 64 breeding pairs and a population of more than 500.

Funds raised in the second phase of the reintroduction program are used to supply additional feed to the growing population of swans, pay for medical bills (including the much needed treatment of lead poisoning), learn about swan behavior, build additional swan pond habitat, and the development of educational materials to tell the story about this recovery and give hope to the future.

The Wye Marsh has enrolled the volunteer services of one of Ontario’s foremost wildlife naturalists, Robin Tapley, a former employee at the Marsh, and now President of his own company Nature Trails. Tapley will be leading the adventure getaway winner’s prize to the Yukon during the migration period of the pacific coast Trumpeter Swans.

Tapley’s enthusiasm is infectious. An excited Tapley described his recent trip to Swan Haven. “At a distance the Yukon River appeared to be filled with large mounds of ice flowing freely, however, I had warm shivers, as I realized the river was alive with 1000's of migrating Trumpeter Swans waiting to continue their annual migration to the north for the opening of the ice laden rivers and lakes. I realized I am a witness to one of Canada’s most spectacular natural wonders”. stated Tapley.
The Yukon Swan Haven Raffle has many volunteer sponsors, including Delta Hotels providing accommodation in Toronto and Vancouver; Air North providing return air from Vancouver and the following list of prizes below:
o 1st prize: 3 trips for 2 people for 5 days to the Yukon
o 2nd prize: a weekend for 2 people at Delta Grandview Resort
o 3rd prize: a weekend for 2 people at Delawana Resort



o 4th prize: an optics package courtesy of Bushnell
o 5th prize: a weekend for 2 people at Little Lake Bed & Breakfast
o 6th prize: Frank de Matteis Swan Print
o 7th-10th prize: Wye Marsh Family Membership
. Tickets are $20.00 each or 6 for $100.

The Trumpeter has made enormous strides in Eastern Ontario but still has a long way to go. A limited supply of 5000 tickets has been made available for the raffle. And can be secured at http://www.wyemarsh.com/swan_yukon.html

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Editor’s Note:

One of most compelling stories of survival is demonstrated by the swan named Pig Pen, and her continued fight to raise her young (cygnets), after surviving being shot, and hit by a boat, her 10-year quest for life gives us all hope for the future. To read more about Pig Pens quest go http://www.wyemarsh.com/swan_stories2.html