National Wildlife Week 2003

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced that Salmonier Nature Park is partnering with the Canadian Wildlife Federation and other cooperating agencies to officially launch National Wildlife Week in our province from April 7-12, 2003.

Native Species, Nature�s Choice is the theme for this year�s National Wildlife Week celebrations which will be taking place at the Village Mall from Wednesday, April 9 - Saturday, April 12 (10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.).

"This message emphasizes the importance of conserving Canada�s native wild animals and plants and discovering how to curb the invasion of alien species," said Minister Bettney. "During Wildlife Week, there will be information about whether we have "aliens" in our province and how they have affected our local ecosystems. I encourage everyone who visits the display to enter daily contests to win great prizes. Join us as we celebrate National Wildlife Week in Newfoundland and Labrador."

In addition to the mall display, the Canadian Wildlife Federation will be supporting the Robert Bateman National Wildlife Week Writing and Art Contest. Young people throughout Canada are invited to enter the contest by illustrating a species at risk or writing about the impacts of climate change on Canada�s wildlife. Schools in the province have also been invited to participate in Salmonier Nature Park�s annual art and writing contest. Winning entries of this contest will be posted at the Village Mall during Wildlife Week and at Salmonier Nature Park throughout the upcoming summer.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2003 04 07                                        10:20 a.m.