WILDLIFE INTERPRETATION CENTRE The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is open year-round to explore and enjoy. In 2010, The Wildlife Interpretation Centre is open from May 18 until September 24. The CVWMA administration offices are staffed year-round. The Wildlife Interpretation Centre is located 11 kilometers west of Creston off Hwy 3 and is open from May – September with programs running May – August. Naturalists are on site to provide guided canoe tours, trail maps and information. Educational exhibits, science lab and nature gift shop will entice you to stay and explore. Centre Hours for 2010 May 18 – June 26 (Tuesday - Saturday) June 27 - Sept 4 (7 days a week) Sept 8 - Sept 24 (Wednesday - Friday) 9 am - 4 pm Admission Prices $3 - Adult & Senior $2 - Child & Student $9 - Family of 4-6 $2 - Each for group of 6+ (each) Come and see what they are talking about! Rand McNally voted the CVWMA and the Interpretation Centre as a Best of the Road Editors’ Top Pick in the 2009 Rand McNally Road Atlas. Take advantage of all that the Centre has to offer… Go on a guided canoe or walking tour ...Join a Naturalist on a one-hour long paddle through the wetland...click here for details. Do you have your own canoe or kayak that you want to use to explore the waterways? Come into the Centre and talk to a Naturalist. They can point you in the right direction to an area where you will have wonderful paddling opportunities and a minimal impact on nesting waterfowl… Experience our programs and events Take advantage of the many programs and events we have going on at the Interpretation Centre. School and youth programs! Naturalists cover topics related to wetland wildlife & ecosystems, migratory birds, endangered species and so much more. View our educational displays Educational displays showcase the natural history, management and wildlife of this vast wetland habitat. We offer fun, hands-on displays and activities for the whole family to enjoy! Play in our science lab Our science lab will tempt you to view the wonders of the wetland world in close detail. Shop in our science and nature gift shop A science and nature Gift Shop is located in the Interpretation Centre. It provides visitor services and annual revenue to the CVWMA. You can browse the following product selection: books, clothing, natural history and educational resources, nature related gifts, souvenirs and refreshments. View wildlife Look through our spotting scopes at a variety of wildlife species living in the ponds and channels around the Centre. Take to the trails, over 32 kilometers to choose from, to view more species and the spectacular landscape. The CVWMA is a rich and biologically diverse area. Over 286 species of birds, 57 species of mammals and 29 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians call the area home. Some of these are species at risk - endangered, threatened, vulnerable or of special concern - at a provincial and/or federal level. In 1994, it was designated as an internationally significant wetland (Ramsar Site). The CVWMA is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, because it regularly supports over 100,000 water birds during migration periods, and as an Important Amphibian and Reptile Area by the Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network. Hang out with our Naturalists Naturalists are on site to answer questions and provide trail maps, information and tours. Hike the trails and climb the viewing towers With over 32 kilometers of flat top dyke trails to explore by foot or by bike, you can spend minutes to hours to days taking in the sights and sounds of the valley. A 20-minute boardwalk loop trail takes you out to a three-story bird tower. A two-story viewing tower, located on the north side of Hwy 3, is another great destination as you hike along the trails. The towers offer breathtaking views of the wetland. Come to the Wildlife Interpretation Centre and pick up a trail map.