News release

Celebrate National Forest Week in Nova Scotia

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nova Scotians of all ages can celebrate National Forest Week -- which begins Sunday, May 1 -- by taking in an educational play at a local school, playing tree trivia, or simply enjoying a walk in the woods.

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources staff are joining local groups and associations to conduct activities related to National Forest Week to increase awareness about the many living things that call our forests home. Nova Scotia's theme for the week this year is "Canada's Forest and Wetlands: Our Natural Water Filters."

"The forests provide people with many benefits, including a place for personal recreation, exercise, and reflection, as well as economic benefits," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Natural Resources. "In addition, it provides wildlife habitat, and a water source for wetlands and water courses."

Children's entertainer Jim Dalling will perform his "Ask me if I'm a Tree" show for school children in grades 3 to 6 throughout Nova Scotia during the week. The show is an educational, entertaining and interactive presentation that brings the message of responsible forest use and sustainable forest management.

"Mr. Dalling's presentation has become an important and consistent part of annual National Forest Week activities in Nova Scotia and he continues to show children how important our forests are to Nova Scotians," said Mr. Hurlburt.

Other events around the province include school visits by Natural Resources staff. Staff will talk with Grade 6 students about the importance of our forests and will distribute seedlings for them to plant. Radio Tree Trivia contests will be held daily with prizes provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Prizes are Nova Scotia atlases, T-shirts and books entitled Trees of Nova Scotia.

A new event called Kids in the Forest is also planned to provide the opportunity for elementary children to spend time in the forest, while learning more about the importance of forests from department staff.

National Forest Week is sponsored by the Canadian Forestry Association and runs until Saturday, May 7. More information about National Forest Week and activities is available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr