The Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre reopened its doors to the public last weekend for a third season.
The popular multi-purpose facility is located next to Quatse Campground and houses an educational interpretive gallery, laboratories, meeting facilities, a gift shop and, of course, plenty of hands-on fun for younger visitors.
The centre is operated by the North Vancouver Island Salmonoid Enhancement Association and is focused on safeguarding salmon stocks in the North Island through its hatchery program and initiatives such as raising awareness, habitat enhancement and education.
NVISEA is a non-profit organization and all proceeds from the centre go back into the community in the form of salmon enhancement programs. So assistant manager Erin Wright hopes to see lots of local faces among her visitors again this season.
“Everything we get here gets put back into the North Island through our projects,” she points out. “We do salmon enhancement, habitat restoration, classroom projects with the schools.”
Already a popular destination for school groups, the centre is also a perfect spot for a family day out, with lots of games, interactive displays and costumes for the kids.
Tours of the centre are currently available on request and are scheduled to run three times a day beginning in June, with the season culminating in the centre's 'River's Day' celebration at the end of September.
For more information on tours or renting the meeting space, contact Erin Wright at 949-9022 or check the centre's website at www.thesalmoncentre.org.