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In t e r l a k e Interlake Arborg & District Chamber of Commerce Ashern & District Chamber of Commerce Eriksdale & District Chamber of Commerce Fisher Branch Chamber of Commerce Riverton & District Chamber of Commerce Teulon & District Chamber of Commerce Left: Canada geese feed in nearby fields. Top: Kids use nets to check out marsh bugs. Above: Mallards take off out of Oak Hammock Marsh on their way to feed in nearby fields. Photos by Fred Greenslade expertise in re-establishing the marsh. "They basically built dikes and water structures so that the marsh could actually be used again by birds. Now Oak Hammock Marsh is about 36 square kilometres, and it's wonderful wetlands with amazing diversity." As a further enhancement, the interpretive centre was established 20 years ago. For Bourgeois, the highlight of its anniversary celebration in June was the unveiling of a brand new boardwalk. "One of the key things about this new boardwalk is we now have a lift for people with reduced mobility, so even people in wheelchairs can actually go canoeing with us. It's a big improvement," he says.  "We've revamped the place quite a bit, but what has changed the most is probably the service we offer. When we first opened, it was very basic. We went from four full-time staff to 20 full- time staff."  These days, there's nonstop activity year-round. Visitors can take a guided canoe trip, do some critter dipping off the boardwalk and participate in waterfowl surveys. So far, about 300 different species of birds have been counted at the marsh. "That's about half of all the different species that we have in Canada. Just think that they're all found here in this little wetland in Manitoba. It's incredible," Bourgeois says. With 200,000 visitors to the marsh each year, the non-profit organization is achieving its mandate to connect people with wetlands. "We want to make sure people understand the roles of wetlands and how important they are — not just for the environment, but for us as well." www.oakhammockmarsh.ca. New & Noteworthy >> The town of Winnipeg Beach is holding a centennial celebration in 2014. A boat parade, family picnic, cottage tours, beer garden and historical displays are in the works. The planning committee, which meets at the Town Hall on the third Wednesday of every month, invites everyone to participate. www.winnipegbeach.ca >> Gimli's The Fresh Carrot food store was among 10 businesses honoured at the second annual Canadian Fair Trade Awards in Toronto in October. The organic store is owned by Lisa and Ted Zolinski. Gimli was named Manitoba's first Fair Trade town in 2009. >> Interlake Arts, Life & Leisure was among the nominees for best new magazine at the 31st annual Western Magazine Awards in Vancouver this summer. Publisher and editor Teresa Carey launched the magazine in May 2012. MBiz November 2013 23

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