Celebrate Parks Day, July 19

Go for a hike, learn how to paddle, and discover Nova Scotia's wildlife at one of the many provincial parks taking part in Parks Day on Saturday, July 19. This national celebration marks the 19th annual Parks Day and provincial parks in the province continue to participate each year.

"Park's Day is a chance for Nova Scotians and tourists to experience fun-filled events celebrating the nature and history of provincial parks," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "This year's schedule offers recreational activities, outdoor experiences and an opportunity to take advantage of all that our parks have to offer."

More than 15 provincial parks throughout Nova Scotia are taking part in the festivities. The first Parks Day participant in 1990 was Dollar Lake Provincial Park, Halifax Regional Municipality and some of the original organizations that participated continue to return each year to take part in the celebrations. This year at Dollar Lake, events will include a wildlife presentation and display, an intro to paddling, and map reading.

Over the years, activities have been developed that have become classics, such as the fun day at Mira River Provincial Park, Cape Breton Co. This event draws more than 1,000 people each year, for children's activities with prizes, fireworks and a re-enactment of Fortress Louisbourg events including staff in period costumes and black powder cannon display.

New events for 2008 include a moonlight tour of the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park, Colchester Co., and nature exploration at Sand Hills Beach Provincial Park, Shelburne Co.

Parks Day events are included in the Parks are for People program, which takes place throughout the year. The program is a co-operative effort by community organizations, recreational clubs, government agencies, and interested individuals and it is coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources.

For detailed information on events, call 1-902-424-4321 or visit www.novascotiaparks.ca .