The Wilds Responds to Rumors: Tours Will Continue to Grow

By Guy Googins

Officials at the Wilds have responded to rumors surrounding the future of the conservation center, saying that they will continue to offer tours and other opportunities for the public to get involved with the organization.  

“We have had a great deal of media attention this year,” said Dr. Evan Blumer, Executive Director of the Wilds, “most of it focusing on recent successes and plans for future growth of the Wilds.  Unfortunately, it appears that all of the attention on our plans to offer more in-depth, immersive experiences has led to a misperception that the Wilds is going to stop offering tours to the public.”

That is not the case, according to Dr. Blumer.  He points to the mission statement of the organization, which is “to advance conservation through science, education and personal experience.”

“The tours that we offer are – and will continue to be – an important part of the personal experience aspect of our mission,” said Dr. Blumer.  “Not only do they help raise awareness of conservation issues and support for work to address the challenges that threaten the balance of nature around us, they also provide financial support for the science and education programs here.”

In addition to the mission statement, a Strategic Vision Plan is in place to guide the growth of the Wilds.  That plan, approved by the Wilds board in 2005, lays out a number of objectives that actually call for expanding and enhancing visitor experiences.

“Our goal is to continue developing innovative ways to offer deeper, richer experiences that go beyond our tours,” said Dr. Blumer.  “But that doesn’t mean we’ll stop doing tours.”

Dr. Blumer cites a number of examples of steps the Wilds has already taken to offer experiences beyond the tours.  In addition to overnight experiences made possible by the Lodge at the Wilds, guided fly-fishing excursions are offered through Mad River Outfitters in Columbus, a Birding Outpost was completed in 2005, miles of mountain bike trails have been developed and an interpretive walking trail through the Wilds’ 10-acre Butterfly Habitat is open to visitors.

More information about tours at the Wilds is available by visiting their Web site: www.thewilds.org or by calling 740-638-5030.