Celebrate National Forest Week in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians can celebrate National Forest Week with the Department of Natural Resources by taking part in various activities around the province that showcase the diversity of provincial forests.

The week runs from Sept. 21 to 27 with the theme Canada's Forest: Biodiversity in a Changing World. The theme focuses on conserving the diverse plant and animal life in the country's forests.

"Our forestry sector is of great importance to the province's communities and economy," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "To ensure our forests remain healthy, it is essential for Nova Scotians to understand and appreciate their many values."

Department of Natural Resources staff are continuing the annual tradition of joining with local groups and associations to conduct National Forest Week activities that teach people about the value of forests.

Events around the province include:

• On Thursday, Sept. 25, Neil Livingston, winner of the Woodlot Owner of the Year Award in the eastern region, will host a Kids in the Forests event in Riverville, Inverness Co. The event provides an opportunity for elementary school children to learn about forests from department staff while in a forest setting.

• On Saturday, Sept. 27, Mr. Livingston will be presented with the Woodlot Owner of the Year Award for the eastern region during the a field day at the woodlot. A field day for the provincial winners, Russell and Marjorie McNally of Colchester County, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4.

• Staff in some areas of the province will talk with Grade 6 students about the importance of forests and help them plant seedlings.

• "Treevia" contests will be held daily on radio stations in Truro, New Glasgow, Yarmouth, Sydney, Port Hawkesbury and the Annapolis Valley. The department will provide T-shirts and Nova Scotia atlases as prizes.

The DEMO International 2008 live forestry show wraps up as National Forest Week begins. The show features more than 100 exhibitors and is expected to attract more than 5,000 people from across the country and around the world. The department has 1.5 hectares of forest at the show to demonstrate how it provides advice and services that help manage the province's natural resources. The event runs from Sept. 18 to 20 in Devon, Halifax Regional Municipality. For show hours and directions to DEMO, one of North America's largest outdoor equipment shows, visit www.demointernational.com .

Following National Forest Week, in late October, Children's entertainer Jim Dalling will perform his Ask Me if I'm a Tree show for grades 3 to 6 throughout Nova Scotia. The educational, entertaining, and interactive presentation brings the message of responsible forest use and sustainable forest management.

"Mr. Dalling's presentation has been a part of National Forest Week in Nova Scotia for many years," said Mr. Morse. "He continues to entertain children as he creatively educates them with facts and information about forests."

National Forest Week is co-ordinated nationally by the Canadian Forestry Association. Events in support of the week are organized and sponsored locally. More information about National Forest Week activities is available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr .