Celebrate National Forest Week in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians are invited to take part in National Forest Week, Sept. 22-28, and learn how the province continues to support healthy forests and communities.

"People working in the forests should be proud of their occupation," said Natural Resources deputy minister Duff Montgomerie. "Forest products generally have a very light carbon footprint because they are grown with energy from the sun. Most forest jobs are in rural areas and are important to communities across Nova Scotia. That's why this year's theme is the Greenest Work Force."

The province has worked with woodlot owners and their associations to improve silviculture techniques, helped upgrade training in forest ecosystem classification to make woodlands more sustainable, and has helped small private woodlot owners improve their lots and better connect with each other to share information.

Activities across the province will help to raise awareness about forest resources and how healthy forests help communities.

Natural Resources staff will visit elementary schools to talk with students about the importance of forests and have seedlings for the students to plant.

On Sept. 27, a Kids in the Forest school event will be held in Scotsburn, Pictou Co., at Karl and Faye Crawford's woodlot. These events help elementary children learn about forests in an outdoor setting.

On Sept. 28, the Crawford's will host a public field day at their woodlot, where they will be presented with the Central Region Woodlot Owner of the Year Award.

Radio "treevia" contests will be held daily and Nova Scotians can win prizes by tuning into: Magic FM 94.9 in Kentville, CKBW in Bridgewater, AVR 97.7 in the Valley, CBC Information Morning in Sydney, and 101.5 the Hawk in Port Hawkesbury. More information about National Forest Week and events is available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/education/nfw.

National Forest Week is co-ordinated nationally by the Canadian Forestry Association.