Malcolm’s Place

Wildlife Viewing Platform & Entrance Ramp Project

The Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society is pleased to announce the start of our newest Somenos Marsh Open Air Classroom (OAC) accessibility project! Malcolm’s Place, a 30’ long elevated boardwalk and 12’ x 12’ viewing platform is named for Malcolm MacLeod, who suffered a serious accident a couple of years ago and now uses an electric wheelchair to get around.  

As our past Facilities Manager, Malcolm was responsible for many of the projects we all use and appreciate in the OAC, in particular the mobility ramps to the boardwalk and tower, and our newest addition, the Peninsula Coop Talking Circle. He was the guy you would meet out there almost every day working on some project or another.

Malcolm and his wife, Karen

Malcolm’s Place will add much needed accessible meeting & teaching space to the OAC. The popularity of the facility has grown significantly over the last few years with the S’amunu (dike) Trail completion and more people learning about the facility through social media and friends. The network of boardwalks, elevated boardwalk, and interpretive signage already attract school and university groups, as well as many out of town visitors who bring economic benefits to the local business community. A recent month-long visit by a rare Northern Screech Owl brought hundreds of people, locals and out of towners, to the OAC. The Malcolm’s Place viewing platform will provide a front row seat for viewing the once endangered Trumpeter Swans that overwinter in Somenos Marsh. 

We are seeking $12,000 more to get the foundations installed before September 15. We are, unfortunately, facing this tight funding window due to the environmental constraints of working in such as special place.

We already have $11,500 in donations in the Malcolm’s Place account and have a number of funding initiatives underway including:

  • ‘Your name on a 4’ boardwalk plank” for $100 each

  • ‘Your name on a 12’ viewing platform plank’ at $1,000 each 

  • Memorial bench with plaque at $2,500 each 

  • Your name on the Malcolm’s Place entrance signage for larger donations

Site Location (not to scale)

We deeply appreciate your help in making this project a reality! Please consider donating now.*

If you are able to support this project with services, or know of any people or businesses who would be interested in supporting this project, please contact info@somenosmarsh.com.

* Select “Malcolm’s Place - The OAC Extension” for your donation fund. We provide charitable tax receipts for all donations.