Courses Offered on Non-Timber Forest Products

Nova Scotians can learn more about the province's non-timber forest products by attending one of three courses offered by the Department of Natural Resources.

Non-timber forest products are goods and services other than conventional wood products like timber and pulpwood. Examples include fiddleheads, wild mushrooms, bentwood furniture, Christmas trees and greenery, berry wines, essential oils, and eco-tourism.

"In difficult economic times, it's important for us to appreciate just how many diverse marketable products our forests can offer," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Natural Resources. "We have a great opportunity to start realizing the potential of these products and their added value in woodlots across Nova Scotia."

Through information-sharing sessions, these courses will create greater awareness of various products and services available in Nova Scotia's forests and the opportunities they provide.

"We hope these discussions will help promote local products and lead to new business opportunities," said Simon Mutabazi, extension forester. "It is a chance for woodlot owners to learn what non-timber forest product opportunities may be found in their woodlands."

The courses will be held from 7 p.m to 10 p.m. on the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 17, in Truro at Nova Scotia Community College, 36 Arthur St., Room 306, Forrester Hall
• Wednesday, March 18, in Coxheath at the Department of Natural Resources office, 300 Mountain Rd.
• Thursday, April 2, in Bridgewater at the Nova Scotia Community College, 75 High St., Room C112

Pre-registration is required. To register, call 902-424-5444 or toll free at 1-866-226-7577, or visit the website at http://gov.ns.ca/natr . The cost of the course is $10.

A directory of non-timber forest products, produced by the Department of Natural Resources in collaboration with forestry organizations in Atlantic Canada and Maine, will be available in April.