Celebrate Parks Day, July 17

Visitors to Provincial Parks can enjoy a fun-filled day for the 21st annual Parks Day on Saturday, July 17.

More than 15 provincial parks throughout Nova Scotia are taking part in the festivities. Activities include paddling, barbeques, hiking, and a Biodiversity Walk at Blomidon Provincial Park, Kings Co. Two new events have also been added: Fishing Frenzy at Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park in Deerfield, Yarmouth Co. and Tricky Tides at Five Islands Provincial Park, Colchester Co.

"We are fortunate to have so many breathtaking parks where visitors can explore our natural environment," said Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell. "Our annual Parks Day celebrations are an affordable way for families and friends to spend a day together and participate in some exciting activities."

Dollar Lake Provincial Park, Halifax Regional Municipality, hosted the first Parks Day in 1990 and some of the original organizations continue to return each year to take part in the celebrations. This year, events at Dollar Lake will include a wildlife presentation and display, an introduction to paddling, and map reading.

The Friends of McNabs Islands Society will celebrate its 20th anniversary on the same day with a picnic on McNabs Island in the Halifax Harbour. They will offer an exciting day of activities including games, geocaching, guided nature walks and musical entertainment.

Parks Day events are included in the Parks Events Guide, which take place throughout the summer and fall. The program is a co-operative effort by government agencies, recreational clubs, community organizations and individuals. It is co-ordinated by the Department of Natural Resources.

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