Ecotourism at NBS

The Norman Bird Sanctuary is proud and excited to be launching our very own ecotourism program! What is ecotourism, you ask?  That’s a great question - our society currently lacks a universal definition for ecotourism, and its meaning is often skewed to represent the interests of different user groups.  For example, a hotel may call itself an eco-friendly accommodation – even if the only green feature they have is compact fluorescent light bulbs! At the Norman Bird Sanctuary, we will be following the definition set forth by the International Ecotourism Society who defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people.”

The Norman Bird Sanctuary will use this ecotourism program to expand our mission to a greater and more diverse audience. The intention of each ecotour will be to engage visitors in a quality natural experience, making them more aware of their connection to and impact on the natural world.  Proceeds from our ecotours  will be reinvested into our diverse educational programs.  Whether remaining on-site or traveling around the country, we will keep your experience as authentic and engaging as possible, using local guides and patronizing locally owned accommodations and restaurants when available. We will also try to make the trip as “green” as possible by offsetting carbon and using recycled and renewable materials for all interpretive information.

Here are some pictures from this year's CT River Eagles Trip (many thanks to NBS member Bob Weaver) Check out the list of birds sighted on our Bird Droppings page!

And some more pictures from our Winter Rarities Trip in January.