Integral to each outdoor EcoAdventure is the opportunity to learn about the natural world of the Bruce Peninsula. The program has been designed under the guidance of our Advisory Team of local experts, applying a knowledge base aimed at giving you an experience that will deepen your connection to this special place.
Rod Steinacher
Rod spent his career as a science and outdoor education teacher and is an avid birder, astronomer and photographer and wilderness explorer. He has served for several years as the President of the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory and provided input into the Bird Atlas and participated in countless bird counts. He is a seasoned astronomer and leads star gazing sessions on the Chi-Cheemaun ferry and workshops on photography. He has devoted countless volunteer hours to conservation on the Bruce.
Laura Sagermann
Laura moved to the Bruce Peninsula in 2016, and has fallen in love with the spectacular landscape and natural beauty of the area. She is passionate about nature interpretation, education and sustainable tourism, and is excited to support the Biosphere association as a board member. Laura has a background in teaching, and specialized in Outdoor Education at the Queen’s Faculty of Education. She is currently in the position of Product Development Officer with Bruce Peninsula/Fathom Five National Parks, and is working to develop sustainable tourism initiatives and quality visitor experiences to build connections with visitors.
Daryl W. Cowell, B.A., M.Sc., P.Geo.
Daryl was born in Hamilton, Ontario where he attended McMaster University in the geology and physical geography program. He specialized in karst geomorphology - the study of the formation of caves and associated landforms.
He began to study the geology and karst of the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Peninsula through his undergraduate and Masters’ theses research. Daryl worked for Environment Canada between 1976 and 1989 on several national and international projects but since then worked as a geoscience consultant with two environmental firms he co-founded. He moved to the Tobermory area in 2002 where he now works as an independent geoscience consultant. His work experience covers much of Ontario as well as northern and central Manitoba, northern Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Internationally he has worked in Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Peru, Uruguay, Romania, and Nigeria. He has given numerous guided walks, presentations, and courses within the local area and published a number of scientific papers. In 2004, he co-authored a book on the Geology and Landforms of Grey and Bruce Counties produced by the Owen Sound Field Naturalists.
Don Wilkes
Don Wilkes was raised in the foothills of Alberta and passed his university years studying biology at the University of Alberta. He had a 36-year career in National Parks and worked in 5 different parks including one in Australia. Don finished his career as the Manager of Interpretation and Visitor Service for Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. At the end of his career Don particularly enjoyed coordinating the development of the exhibits for new visitor centre for the Parks. Don is now retired and resides in Tobermory.