Parks Day Events to Be Held Across Province

Parks Day will be celebrated on Saturday, July 20, throughout Nova Scotia.

Hiking, camping, bird watching and planned activities are available at provincial parks across the province.

"We are very lucky to have so many remarkable parks and beaches here in Nova Scotia," said Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive. "Parks Day is a wonderful opportunity to experience what our provincial parks have to offer. Several activities are planned throughout the province and I encourage everyone to come out and join in the fun."

The third Saturday in July has been set aside for many years as Parks Day in national, provincial, territorial and municipal parks across the country. The intent of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and protecting these special areas and to encourage active living.

There are more than 120 parks in the provincial system. They range from small picnic sites to campgrounds and beaches. Events for Parks Day are planned for those parks that participate in the Parks are for People and Take a Hike programs.

In Halifax Regional Municipality, activities are planned for three parks.

• at Dollar Lake Provincial Park: fly-tying and casting demonstration, archery range, "I spy" contest for children, canoeing lessons and an orienteering meet;

• a 26-kilometre Nova Scotia Trans-Canada Trail bike ride along the Musquodoboit Trailway system; and

• an interpretive walk at Lawrencetown Provincial Beach.

In Pictou County, there will be a scavenger hunt and wildlife bingo at Salt Springs Provincial Park.

In Yarmouth County, Cheboque Meadow Provincial Park is hosting a nature walk.

Visitors to Kings County can take in the kite-making at Blomidon Provincial Park.

In the Region of Queens Municipality, there will be a beach sweep at Thomas Raddall Provincial Park.

Lunenburg County residents and visitors can take part in a sand castle competition at Rissers Beach Provincial Park.

More information on these events and other park activities is available at regional offices of the Department of Natural Resources, visitor information centres or by calling 902-424- 4321.