Shubenacadie Lectures Examine Wildlife Topics

A thought-provoking series of free monthly talks ranging from saving eagles from lead poisoning to learning how to camp will be offered at Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park this year.

"Nova Scotians who want to embrace nature can learn so much from these experts. I encourage everyone to check out these courses and attend the free sessions," said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill.

The talks will be delivered in the Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre at the park on the fourth Saturday of the month, between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Dates, presenters and topics are:

• Jan. 25, Dr. Helene Van Doninck, wildlife veterinarian and co-founder of the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Hilden, Colchester Co., discusses recent wildlife patients, ways to keep wildlife safe, lead poisoning in bald eagles and the centre’s new large raptor recovery enclosure
• Feb. 22, Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History zoologist Andrew Hebda speaks about invasive species of plants, animals and insects from away who have made our province home and why they have thrived
• March 22, St. Mary's University biology professor Gwyneth Jones will describe some of the surprising ways plants and animals work together and benefit both partners in a world of mutual assistance
• April 26, join Natural Resources' Emily Gratton for a visual presentation about the Learn 2 Camp workshop. Learn 2 Camp is an overnight camping experience that is both informative and fun. Bring your camping-related questions and play around with some camping gear
• May 24, Ducks Unlimited Canada's Jana Cheverie will explain how GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and mapping tools are used in conservation planning, and provide an overview of Ducks Unlimited programs in Atlantic Canada and some wetland success stories.

The Wildlife Park is on Highway 2 in Shubenacadie, about a 40 minute drive north of Halifax. From Highway 102, take Exit 11 to Stewiacke, and then follow Highway 2 south for about seven kilometres to the park entrance.

In the case of inclement weather, please phone 902-758-7094 after 10 a.m. on the day of the presentation to confirm it is not cancelled. For other general enquiries, call 902-758-5316 or e-mail, <legacycentre@gov.ns.ca.> For more information, visit http://wildlifepark.novascotia.ca.