Environment Week Wilderness Outings

Nature lovers are encouraged to embrace Nova Scotia's wilderness during Environment Week 2010, May 30 to June 5, by exploring Nova Scotia's protected areas.

The province has 48 protected wilderness areas and nature reserves, and two Canadian Heritage Rivers. Guided outings are offered throughout the year.

"I encourage Nova Scotians to get out and enjoy these special areas -- especially during Environment Week," said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment. "To make life better for families in all regions, we are working with our partners to protect 12 per cent of our provincial land base as places to study, explore and enjoy nature."

The guided wilderness tours include excursions by foot, canoe, and, in winter, by ski. For example, on Sunday, June 6, an easy six-kilometre or 10-kilometre guided walk of the Musquodoboit Trailway is being offered by the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club in the provincial Ship Harbour Long Lake Wilderness Area. Sixteen wilderness tours will be led by the Department of Environment and its partner groups by February.

For details of wilderness outings, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/protectedareas/outings.asp .

The Department of Environment and its environmental partners continue to work together to reduce harmful air emissions, protect more wilderness, fight climate change, increase water protection, and expand the province's acknowledged leadership in recycling and composting.

"This week is also a perfect time to offer our thanks to all the community groups, environmental organizations, municipalities, businesses, and individuals who are regular partners with government in making our province cleaner, greener, and more economically sustainable," said Mr. Belliveau.

For more information about Environment Week activities in Nova Scotia visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/environmentweek/ .