Parks are for People Kick-Off
This season, visitors to Nova Scotia's provincial parks can take part in more than 130 events that promote a healthy, active lifestyle. The Parks are for People program highlights the parks' educational opportunities and endless possibilities for outdoor adventure.
"We have a goal to provide recreation, educational and tourist opportunities in the provincial park system," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "Community support, government partners and dedicated staff have produced another year filled with exciting events."
The 20th season of Parks are for People will hold more than 130 events between May 16 and March 31, 2009. Events will take place in more than 60 provincial parks, wilderness areas, nature reserves and Crown land locations throughout Nova Scotia.
Events include natural or cultural history education, activities such as canoeing and photography, and even outings to keep communities green with beach sweeps and river clean-ups. There will be attractions for all ages and activities for everyone, from the observer to the experienced outdoors person.
Two events are scheduled for the Parks are for People opening weekend.
On Saturday, May 17, at 9 a.m., bird watching and bird census will take place at the Natural Resources Education Centre in Halifax Regional Municipality. Participants will discover feathered inhabitants on a guided walk and help with the North American Migration Census, a one-day, continent-wide count of birds during the spring migration.
Mira River Provincial Park in Cape Breton County is hosting Come Walk Our Park on Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. The Friends of Mira Park Society will hold a day of nature walks, wildlife displays, family events, and children's games.
The Parks are for People program is a co-operative effort by government agencies, recreation clubs, community organizations and interested individuals, and is co-ordinated by the Department of Natural Resources.
Most events are free and some require advance registration. For more information and updates on Parks are for People events call the information line at 902-424-4321 or visit www.novascotiaparks.ca .