Celebrate Nova Scotia's Forests

NOTE: Driving directions to the woodlands follow this release.

Nova Scotians are invited to celebrate the province's forests through a series of field days, beginning Saturday, Sept. 20, to help celebrate National Forest Week.

"I invite everyone to take part in these activities and enjoy our forests that provide great economic benefits and recreation to all Nova Scotians," said Environment Minister Randy Delorey, on behalf of Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill.

National Forestry Week runs from Sept. 21 to 27.

The field days, held Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., will be hosted by a different 2014 Woodland Owner of the Year each week. They were recognized earlier this year as outstanding woodland stewards who encourage sustainable woodland management and increase public awareness of the importance of private woodlands. Award presentations will begin around 12:30 p.m.

On Sept. 20, Eastern Region recipients Richard and Carol Rowter and family will welcome visitors to their woodland in Boularderie East, Victoria Co.

On Sept. 27, Central Region recipients John and Sharon Simons and family will host a field day on their property in Springhill, Cumberland Co.

On Oct. 4, Western Region and provincial recipients Hiram and Ernest Carver of New Germany, Lunenburg Co., will share their woodland with visitors.

This is the 25th anniversary of the Woodland Owner of the Year Award.

To be eligible, nominees must own 20 to 800 hectares of woodland in Nova Scotia. Nominations are evaluated by a committee of foresters, wildlife specialists, industry representatives, previous winners and environmental or forestry students.

Evaluation criteria include integrated resource management with an emphasis on wood production, commitment to sustainable goals, wildlife habitat protection and recreation, forest knowledge, and their woodland's health.

List of field days:

Richard and Carol Rowter, Boularderie East, Sept. 20:
The woodlot entrance is on the south side of the Highway 105 about 1 kilometre east of Exit 14 (Boularderie East) and 3.3 km West of Exit 15 (New Dominion and Dalem Lake). The entrance is into a field and caution should be taken entering the lot from the highway.

John and Sharon Simons, Springhill, Sept. 27:
On Highway 104, drive to Exit 5. From Exit 5, drive 400 metres toward Springhill, and turn left toward Saltsprings Road, and take quick right turn. Drive 4.1 km to intersection of Hwy 321. Turn right, drive 100 m and turn quick left into the Simons woodland across the road from their home, 1043 Valley Road (Rte 321), RR#1 Springhill

Hiram and Ernest Carver, New Germany , Oct. 4:
From Bridgewater: Turn onto Highway 10 (from Highway 103) and travel north toward New Germany (about 24 km). Continue north on Highway 10 through New Germany to Meiseners Section (about 7 km). Parking lot next to 6713 Highway 10, Meiseners Section, next to Guys Garage.

From Middleton:
Turn onto Highway 10 (By Needs Convenience Store) and travel south toward New Germany for about 55 km. Parking lot next to 6713 Highway 10, Meiseners Section, next to Guys Garage.