The Whycocomagh Eco-Centre

The Whycocomagh Eco-Centre encourages connections with nature through environmental programs and encourages awareness of the pristine environment of Cape Breton. The Eco-Centre is located in Whycocomagh and overlooks the incredible shores of the Bras d’Or Lakes. [Springtime in Whycocomagh, Cape Breton]  These famous Lakes are a blend of salt and fresh water that have given rise to unique aquatic life.

The Whycocomagh Eco-Centre offers an emerging collection of Eco-Tourism
and Eco-Education programs along with Institutes and Conferences
exploring earth connections. Tourists, the Cape Breton community and
Students can all enjoy ecology-based experiences at the Eco-Centre. [A
Common Autumn Scene in Whycocomagh] Our aim is to provide opportunities
for connecting to this beautiful part of the world, coming to know it
through experience and understanding and moving on with a sense of joy
and discovery of one’s own ecological identity.

The Whycocomagh Eco-Centre’s unique focus on the development and understanding of “Ecological Identity” gives a fresh starting point to the approach. This involves opportunities for participants to share their personal stories and connections to the planet as well as engage in experiences that allows identification and acknowledgement of these connections. Learning about the world they are a part of individually and as a group allow participants to think in new ways with new understanding.

Through this approach we hope to leave an anthropocentric (human-centred) past and move into a future that encourages seeing the world through a bio-centric (centred on all life) lens.

It is a deep-seated change that can move our view of nature from the instrumental to a shared vision where the welfare of all living things are considered for their intrinsic worth and not just their value to society. Our Centre aims to develop the kind of dialogue that will bring about a new understanding of our place in the unfolding of the universe.

Available Programs….

Eco-Education Programs
The Eco-Centre offers engaging environmental education programs for the formal school system. These programs are run during the school year and take advantage of Whycocomagh’s beautiful outdoor environment. All of the programs are planned to integrate approaches from all disciplines including Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math, Physical Education, and Arts. All Eco-Education Programs will draw on and meet expectations of the Nova Scotia Curriculum Outcomes.

Tourist Programs
Our Eco-Tourism Programs will centre on the large Saltwater Aquarium, Touch Tanks, Vivariums and Terrariums in the Eco-Centre space. Visitors can come into the Centre to view Bras d’Or Lake species as well as plant and animal species that are in the forests and shore surrounding the Lake. Hikes and interpretative presentations will allow visitors to experience first-hand the beauty and ecological richness of the area.

Institutes
WEC is pleased to host a Summer Institute, “Coming to Life” – a celebration of your connection to nature, an event that will run July 23-25, 2007. This summer conference invites you to explore the oceans and earths ability to revive your sense of wonder and ignite it in others.

Eco-Camps
The Eco-centre will host youth camps that are naturally seasoned and include art, music, ames, activities, and environmental inquiry. The camps will rely heavily on the beautiful outdoor environment. Youth will be asked to pack a lunch and snack for the day camp. For more information please contact the Eco-centre @ 756-3464.

Visit the web site at: http://www.whycocomaghecocentre.com/