Old Growth Rainforest Walk

Coastal temperate rainforests are one of the world's rarest ecosystems. The Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve contains some of the world?s best examples of intact coastal temperate rainforests, and the Tofino Botanical Gardens is fortunate to have sections of Clayoquot Sound's old growth rainforest right here on our waterfront property. This 90 minute guided interpretive walk takes participants through the trails that wind through our 12-acre property. [many of the trails are wheel chair-accessible] The questions answered in this program highlight the mystery and intrigue that scientists have discovered about these ancient ecosystems. How many species remain to be discovered in the world? Looking straight up into the canopy from the Old Growth Boardwalk, an interpreter explains how the Tofino Botanical Gardens is working with a rainforest canopy research team that is discovering new arthropod species in Clayoquot Sound. How do you find a marbled murrelet nest? Standing amongst the ancient forest, an interpreter explains why scientists failed to find the marbled murrelet?s nest until well into the 1970s, why the nests were so hard to find, and how Clayoquot Sound and high frequency radar helped in the hunt. What is convergent evolution? A trip through the Gardens? Chilean temperate rainforest exhibit gives a rare hands-on perspective of this fascinating evolutionary phenomenon. These and other scientific stories are related to elementary and high school students from around Canada who stay at the Clayoquot Field Station in the Tofino Botanical Gardens while on field trips.