| Below are selected testimonials
representing a cross-section of our clientele: "Our Stewardship Council is always searching for ways to connect children of all ages with the wonders and importance of nature. Steve, Sabrina and Scooter make that connection happen. Steve has a wide variety of presentation techniques that he can use depending on the audience. Included amongst his many strategies are screen visuals, sing-alongs, dress-up skits, question and answer, hands-on props, and a squirrel gliding demonstration. Most importantly, however, the main ingredient in each show is Steve’s passion for what he does - connecting us to our natural world and helping us understand that we are indeed a part of the natural world. We encourage you to invite Steve and his squirrels help your school or group connect people to nature." Andy Margetson Stewardship Coordinator Prince Edward Stewardship Council ====== "KidSpark, the children’s museum at the Ontario Science Centre, recently had the pleasure of hosting Steve Patterson and his flying squirrels, Sabrina and Scooter. While I had anticipated that this program would be a wonderful experience for our visitors, Steve’s program exceeded all my expectations. At KidSpark, we believe in providing a safe and playful learning environment that engages children through hands-on experiences. I believe that Steve, and his creative approach to educating visitors of all ages, truly exemplifies this interactive experience. Children were given the opportunity to get up-close and personal with the flying squirrels, as well as explore the natural habitats of these nocturnal creatures. Visitors were able to embark on several adventures to take closer looks at Sabrina and Scooter, and learn about how they benefit our environment. Steve has a wonderful child-like personality. He captured the audience’s attention with his passion for flying squirrels, their habitat and their ecology. His unique and captivating presentations engaged, educated and delighted visitors of all ages. Steve focused on educating our visitors with interactive experiences. He was able to assess our young visitors’ abilities and interests and gear his program to their level. Steve, Sabrina and Scooter intrigued and entertained all the participants in our program. Steve, Sabrina and Scooter were a wonderful addition to the public programming at KidSpark, and we look forward to having them all join us again in the near future." Fotini Fokidis KidSpark Coordinator Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario ====== "Dear Steve - Thank you so much for bringing Sabrina and Scooter way out west. Our visitors were delighted by the opportunity to get up close and personal with these two very special animal ambassadors. Your show is informative and interactive - but mostly lots of fun!! We are really looking forward to having Sabrina and Scooter return to the Calgary Zoo." Lisa McDonald Manager, Visitor Education The Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta ====== "Steve delivers a fun and educational program, letting our visitors learn about the environment in a fun and hands-on way. The Squirrels were great!" John Snell Director of Programs & Exhibits Saskatchewan Science Centre, Regina, Saskatchewan ====== "Steve and the flying squirrels were a great addition to our summer program. They were enjoyed by campers of all ages – toddlers to grandparents! I would strongly encourage other Provincial Parks to take advantage of this opportunity if it comes our way again -- I know we will!" Don Gordon Head Naturalist Shuswap Provincial Park, Scotch Creek, British Columbia ====== “We would highly recommend this program for any park or group setting as an antidote to 'nature-withdrawal syndrome'. Steve’s presentation is truly enjoyable and educational for all ages.” Lynda Sisco General Manager Friends Of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, Ontario ====== "Steve, Sabrina and Scooter were wonderful advocates for forest ecology, natural history and animal biology. I would recommend Steve’s program for anyone who is interested in engaging and inspiring people to better understand the environment that surrounds us and how we fit into it." Amanda Tisseur Manager -Teaching & Learning The Exploration Place, Prince George, British Columbia ====== “In summer 2007, I had the chance to observe Steve delivering a program in an Ontario provincial park. Even during my own time off, I can’t help but look at educational programs with a critical eye - a consequence of having been in the field of nature interpretation for 20 years. Steve delivered a very dynamic, 90 minute long, multi-media program, making reasonable and ethical use of live specimens. This content-rich program catered to the highly diverse audience, which stayed captive until the end. His obvious passion for the subject added to the authenticity aspect, which is always well received by participants.” Louis-René Sénéchal Public Programs Coordinator - Coordonnateur, programmes publics Canadian Museum of Nature - Musée canadien de la nature Ottawa, Canada ====== "Steve Patterson is a sure hit when he visits our national park. His presentations are an incredible mix of drama, humour, great props, sheer passion and, best of all, flying squirrels! Steve has the rare ability to entertain, inspire and educate, all at the same time! We'll have him back time and again!" Ethan Meleg, Outreach Coordinator Bruce Peninsula National Park Fathom Five National Marine Park Tobermory, Ontario ====== "Your presentation on the northern flying squirrel, its characteristics, and habitat requirements was incredibly well received by all of the participants. We greatly appreciate your willingness to share your experiences with us and our project partners. Many of the 90+ participants commented on the wealth of resources they were able to pick up from your presentation and numerous displays." Dan McDonell/Sandra Skog Great Lakes Sustainability Fund Environment Canada ====== "Steve is a man with a childlike fascination with nature, a quick sense of humour, an encyclopedic knowledge of flying squirrels, and a passion to convey that knowledge to others. His entertaining presentations on flying squirrels will make you laugh while also giving you new insights into these amazing creatures of the night." Lorraine Brown, M.Sc. Interpretive Planner, Naturalist ====== "It is a rare combination to find in a person a passionate interest in a subject and an outstanding scientific understanding of that subject. Steve is the person, flying squirrels the subject: put them together and one is in for some fascinating and colourful insights into the life and times of one of Canada's least known mammals. Steve is a great presenter." Peter Middleton, M.Ed. Educator, Naturalist, Eco-tour Leader ====== "Steve and his flying squirrel Sabrina, have become regular performers at MacGregor Point Provincial Park. He puts on an amazing show that includes props, videos, costumes, and a 'flight' demonstration by the lovely and talented Sabrina. Steve's love for flying squirrels is infectious and his audiences are left with a smile and a new respect and appreciation for this important woodland species. We always receive many positive comments from campers after Steve's show. I whole-heartedly recommend Steve and Sabrina to any nature education facility looking for a fun and educational conservation program." John Pedlar, M.Sc. Senior Interpreter, Ontario Parks ====== "Staff at Grey Sauble Conservation (GSC) were ecstatic to secure Steve Patterson as one of their key performers at their 50th Anniversary Celebrations on June 9th, 2007. On the day of the event, people lined up to see the performances of Sabrina and Scooter, and were eager to learn about these animals and their connections to forest health. Feedback from the audience members that day was great! Thanks to Steve's initiative and ongoing efforts of building, erecting and monitoring nest boxes, and his public speaking engagements, he has educated thousands of people about this cute, nocturnal animal! Steve is a motivated and enthusiastic speaker who loves to share his knowledge and passion of flying squirrels and, oh yes, we can't forget Sabrina and Scooter - they top off the show with their gliding expertise! I can't thank Steve enough for his performances that day - the show was a HUGE success that contributed to our day!" Krista McKee Community Relations Coordinator Grey Sauble Conservation ====== "The students and teachers of Willow Glen Public School were fortunate to share an afternoon with Steve Patterson and Sabrina the flying squirrel. The entire audience was intrigued by the many stories and displays Steve shared with us. Through his slides and narrative, nature came to life right in our own gym. The interactive skit with incredible costumes brought home the message of the interdependency of plants and animals in the natural world. We were all awe struck by the perfection of Sabrina and her incredible ability to glide from a great height onto Steve's shoulder. In all, it was a fantastic experience and brought learning to life for our students." Marion Watson, B.Ed. Willow Glen Public School, Mississauga ====== "We have received many positive comments about your presentation. Thanks again for taking the time to come to Neys and Rainbow and doing such an amazing job." Greg Wilson Assistant Park Superintendent Neys & Rainbow Provincial Parks, Terrace Bay, Ontario ====== "Thanks again for your great presentation earlier this month. The feedback was super and we'd definitely like to do it again, maybe during the winter or next spring?" Barb McKean Manager of Education Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton ====== "The free tickets for both of your shows were ‘sold out’ on the first day! Sabrina and Scooter are quite popular. We enjoyed hosting your program at both locations of the library and the feedback that I have been receiving from patrons is very positive. Everyone had a good time! Your displays are very colourful and informative and I was impressed that you gave away such a great prize. The skit was a hoot and I am sure that the kids who participated will never forget how mushroom spores are spread throughout the forest! As an animal lover, I was also impressed with how conscientious you were of Sabrina and Scooter’s welfare. I hope you gave them a Smartie as a reward - they had certainly earned it. Anyway, I hope that you, your wife and the squirrels would be willing to host a program at the library again sometime. Possibly next year?" Kerstin Habenicht Children's Program Coordinator Waterloo Public Library ====== Hi Steve, Thanks for your note! I heard many positive comments about your presentation. It was informative and educational. The kids had a great time and there were a lot of positive comments from the kids also. I hope you also have a terrific summer and all the best on your "tour". I hope Sabrina will feel more like herself! Take care! P.S. My daughter Katie was so pleased to be able to "poop" on the trees this time. She had a huge grin on her face when I asked about the afternoon session. Thanks for making even small dream come true! You were a blessing to her to even think of doing that. It was greatly appreciated! Judy van't Slot (Parent and Teacher) ====== The presentation was being discussed as the best this year at SAGE/ Strathcona. Thanks so much for bringing this to schools. You have really developed a great interactive experience. We all enjoyed your visit with Sabrina and Scooter very much. You are doing great work! Calla Shea-Pelletier (Parent) Editor's Note - SAGE stands for Scholastics, Arts and Global Education |