Groundling Marsh

Did You Know?

• The only merchandise produced for the show were videos, which are now exceptionally rare and no longer produced.
• A Publishers Weekly review of the Courageous Adventures VHS release called the show 'popular' and stated that kids would absorb messages about cooperation, kindness and respect.
• The series received funding from the International Production Fund, formerly the Maclean Hunter Television Fund.

Premise

The series is set in a magical swamp inhabited by Groundlings, mutant-like characters that combine features of animals, humans, elves, and plants. One character is a robot named Stacks. Humans rarely appear, usually represented by a boot or a voice, and often dump trash that disrupts the ecosystem. Each episode teaches morals such as friendship, honesty, caring, and environmental protection.

Characters

Galileo, performed by Gord Robertson, is a young Groundling leader who calls himself an explorer. He constantly maps the marsh and is curious about the human world beyond. He built Stacks from junk dumped by humans and has the ability to see in the dark. In the title sequence he looks through a telescope, suggesting a namesake connection to Galileo Galilei. Maggie, performed by Jani Lauzon in season 1, Wende Welch in seasons 2 and 3, and Trish Leeper in season 4, is a tomboyish, animal-like Groundling. She is energetic and sporty, often getting into trouble due to immature behavior but is well-intentioned and curious. She carries a small green stuffed animal named Mossy Bear, whom she treats as a friend. Mud and Slinger are two separate individuals sharing one body, the only two-headed Groundling. Mud, performed by Stephen Brathwaite, is the right half with light purple skin, spectacles, and a round face. He is the younger brother, absent-minded, friendly, and does most of the scientific inventing, though he is less confident and occasionally nervous; Slinger helps him overcome fears.

Broadcast

After its Canadian debut in 1994, the show aired in the United States on The Disney Channel from 1996 to 1997. It was also broadcast in Latin America and Brazil by Fox Kids, as well as in the United Kingdom and Australia. The series reached 94 territories worldwide. A big-screen mini-feature was shown in interactive theatres at U.S. family entertainment centres, and the show appeared on an interactive CD-ROM of Canadian children's television.