Back in March, an idea was birthed #- a tram that would highlight the New Montezuma Audubon Center and connect it with Howland's Island and Savannah Dhu. In less than four months time, a very determined set of volunteers have worked extremely hard in making it become a reality.

Last week, I had the privilege to go on the first trial run of Savannah Wild as the tour guides tried to share all the information within the three hours, which is a challenging proposition for two reasons. Jim Eckler, a wildlife biologist from New York State the Department of Environmental Conservation, is a man of great knowledge regarding the Wetlands Project, which he shares enthusiastically. However, he is always ready to point out an unknown bird or animal that crosses the route as we travel through the paths around Howland's Island.

Also on the bus were three historians, who had years of history to add to the conversation. Tour guide John Metcalf was prepared to share about the Native Americans who were the first settlers in the area. One of the other potential tour guides is Carlton Gay, who is a retired environmental conservation officer; so, of course, he can share some interesting stories.

And the third participant for the day was Bob Mead, who has actually written a book on Howland's Island.

Missing on this initial trial run was John Spellman, the town of Savannah historian, who will be adding some historical facts, although the primary emphasis of the tour is the wild life and nature.

Eight tours have been scheduled. The dates are today and Sunday, June 9 and 10, and then Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24.

The bus tour will leave downtown Savannah for its three-hour tour at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. The first point of interest will be Howland's Island, which is 3,500 state- owned acres dedicated to the betterment of wildlife. Then it will travel to the Montezuma Audubon Center which is dedicated to the education of the public regarding the conservation of birds and other wildlife. The tour will be completed with a tour of Savannah Dhu, one of the largest private wildlife preserves in the east, affiliated with Destiny USA and the Robert Congel Family.

Each of these sites offers a taste of the wild as you travel narrow paths through the land and enjoy the scenery.

We were able to fear several different species of birds, and saw different animals, although we did not see an elk, which we were all looking for. Equally as interesting was the research and efforts being done to restore these natural wetlands and the scientific data that is being learned from all the studies that are taking place right in own back yard.

Savannah Dhu is diligently seeking to find ways to be eco-friendly with its energy and the fish hatchery and aquaponics gardening.

There will be a tour guide from DEC or someone with similar knowledge on each run along with someone to supplement the local history as time allows. And that remains the biggest challenge #- to cover all that they want to say and still have it be three hours. That is some of the final issues that have to be clarified by this team who has worked so hard to make it become a reality.

Much thanks goes to Andrea Drahms, Ken Lauderdale, Linda Gillette, Don Colvin and Bucky Lainhart. They have taken this idea and pushed it along so it is at this point today.

Today, the tour will be an experience you will not want to miss, whether you are from Savannah or from any where in New York state. Drahms who has done a considerable amount of work, will continue to work through each of the details so it will be a premiere experience for the Finger Lakes Region and the Wetland Project.

Even though only four dates have been established for June, the committee will keep meeting and evaluating the project, and I am sure future dates will be established through the summer months. So be among the first to participate in this tour and rediscover those natural treasures that surround us.

Carol Spellman proudly lives and writes from her home in Savannah. You can reach her at spellmanjc@tds.net