. Nature-viewing facilities will be state-of-the art, from a
rooftop star-gazing deck to remote cameras for real-time wildlife viewing
from within the building.
Outside, envision naturalists leading walks on nature trails
and people watching birds from observation decks.
Visitor programming and interpretation will focus on the theme
of motion and change in a wetland ecosystem. Messages will include bird migration
patterns, seasonal variation, species richness and diversity,
and wildlife
and habitat management practices.
Nearly 2.8 million people 16 or older live in major urban and
suburban areas within a six-hour drive of the proposed center (U.S. Census
2000). And more than 119 million Americans 16 or older (about 52 percent
of all people) visit nature centers, trails, or zoos (NSRE 2000). Therefore,
it is reasonable to expect that the potential market
size for the center is at least 1.4 million visitors per year.
Based on visitation figures for similar regionally-themed centers
such as the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (Wisconsin),
the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center (Montana), the
National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (Wyoming), and Oak Hammock Marsh
Conservation and Interpretive Center (Manitoba), the Kansas |
Wetlands Educational Center could expect
at least 200,000 visitors in its
first year of operation. As awareness of the center’s
offerings grows in the market region, increased visitation could be anticipated.
The Kansas Wetlands Educational Center
will apply the insights
of market research and analysis, sound business and environmental practices,
and individualized customer service. The creation of a private, non-profit
corporation will position the center for fundraising, public/private
partnerships, international brand-building, and efficient planning
and development.
Nature tourists are seeking
unique, authentic experiences. Over
half of all Americans are adventure travelers. In particular, recreational
birding is one of the fastest growing segments
of the adventure travel industry (TIA 2000). |
Walk
into the Kansas Wetlands Educational Center in any season for
a new experience. Dynamic programming will respond to visitor needs,
special
sightings, and wildlife migrations 