Solar-Powered Salamander at Open House Weekend

Nova Scotians will have a chance to see a yellow-spotted salamander that's powered by the sun and to learn about the province's gold mines, fossils, parks, forests, Crown land and more at the Department of Natural Resources Open House Weekend.

The free, family-friendly event will be Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park in Hants County.

"The DNR Open House Weekend is a great opportunity to explore fascinating facts about our natural resources," said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker. "Come visit and learn about wildfire fighting, ancient fossils, forestry, wildlife, biodiversity, hunting and fishing regulations and many other topics."

Visitors will enjoy more than 50 indoor displays and hands-on activities, including the unique salamander that thrives using photosynthesis as if it were a green plant.

People can talk with helicopter pilots, biologists, foresters, geologists, natural resource technicians, fossil experts, land surveyors, conservation officers and other professionals with the department. It will also be an opportunity to learn about careers in these fields.

"The open house will be a fun family event with lots of interesting displays and things to learn," said Don Cameron, member of the department's open house planning group.

People will also get to experience animals at the wildlife park, walk the park's nature trail, take a photo next to a helicopter, and enjoy food and drink that will be for sale.

The Department of Natural Resources helps manage the province's natural resources for all Nova Scotians through research, education, regulation, enforcement and outreach. The Open House Weekend is a time for people to learn more about the province's natural resources and how the department's programs help.

The first open house, held on one day in 2009, drew more than 2,000 people.

More information and directions to the open house are at www.novascotia.ca/natr/openhouse .