Special Wild Places Celebrated

As life becomes more complicated and demanding, Nova Scotians have more appreciation for those special places where they can enjoy life's simpler pleasures.

Those special wild places are also the focus -- and the theme -- of National Wildlife Week, April 10 to 16.

"We are so lucky to have a province that offers something for everyone," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Natural Resources. "We have beaches, forests, wetlands and savannah. People can camp, hike, picnic, swim or just perch on a hill and enjoy the view...there is something for everyone."

During the week, the Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring a wildlife scavenger hunt on the Internet. Students from grades primary to six are invited to visit the department website to explore the habitats and discover native wildlife. Participating classes can enter a draw to win one of the following prizes:

First prize -- Members of the winning class will have the opportunity to visit a provincial park and discover the resident wildlife for themselves. Each student in the class (maximum of 30) will choose between a family pass for a day at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park or a one-night stay at any provincial park campground.

Second prize -- This winning class will be awarded a set of four provincial park posters for the class.

Third prize -- The winning class will receive a copy of Discover Nova Scotia Wildlife Viewing Sites by Julie Towers and Anne Camozzi, and of 120 Common Inland Birds by Jeffrey C. Domm.

The Department of Natural Resources has circulated more than 1,000 teachers' kits from the national program to all schools, libraries and individuals.

National Wildlife Week is sponsored by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, a non-profit, non-government organization. The event takes place each year around April 10, which was the birthdate of Jack Miner, a pioneer in Canada's conservation movement. The week was proclaimed in 1947 by Parliament to celebrate Canada's natural heritage.

More information is available on the Department of Natural Resources' website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/nww .

The Department of Environment and Labour is also sponsoring a special photo contest for National Wildlife Week. Details are available at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/pareas .