Photo BC Ferries
B.C. Ferries has expanded its Coastal Naturalist Program to select ferry terminals and hired more people for the 2018 summer season.
The ferry operator had nine Coastal Naturalists in 2017 and hired 15 people for the educational program in 2018 as part of its SeaForward sustainability initiative.
Coastal Naturalists will teach about 150,000 passengers about local wildlife, history, culture, geography and marine life. They will engage with the public from booths at select terminals and deliver 20-minute presentations onboard the vessels.
“We hope customers enjoy the Coastal Naturalist experience, and leave our terminals and vessels feeling inspired,” says B.C. Ferries VP of marketing and customer experience Janet Carson.
The program starts today and runs until September 3 onboard select vessels on the Tsawwassen - Swartz Bay and Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay routes.
Coastal Naturalists will also be at Tsawwassen, Swartz Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Departure Bay and Duke Point terminals on select days throughout the summer, which is new for 2018.
The program is in its 13 season and is offered in partnership with Parks Canada.
“Parks Canada is delighted that the Coastal Naturalist program is expanding into BC Ferries
terminals,” says Helen Davies, Parks Canada field unit superintendent for Coastal B.C. in a press release.
“I know that travellers will appreciate these free and educational programs that help them discover the rich natural and cultural wonders of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and surrounding waters,” Davies says.
