Opening of Salmonier Nature Park for 2004 season

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, announced today that Salmonier Nature Park will open for the 2004 season on Monday, June 7.

"I encourage everyone to take some time this summer to visit Salmonier Nature Park and experience our beautiful natural heritage and view our amazing wildlife species up close," said Minister Osborne. "New at the park this year are woodchucks, which are native to Labrador and not found on the island. The woodchuck enclosure and new interpretative signs, which can be seen throughout the nature trail, have been donated to the park by Friends of Salmonier Nature Park."

Minister Osborne noted that the woodchuck occupies an important niche in the wildlife community by providing animals such as foxes and weasels with old woodchuck burrows for their dens, and by mixing and aerating soils making them more suitable for other species to utilize.

The minister added that Family Fun Days occur on the third Saturday of each month from June to August when park interpreters put together special events and activities for children and families to enjoy. There are also special celebrations for Canada Day, July 1.

Salmonier Nature Park is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, seven days a week until Labour Day. Park gates close each day at 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, while admission is free for school age children and post-secondary students with a current identification. From September 7 to October 11, the park will be open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with gates closing at 3:00 p.m. Admission is free for everyone after Labour Day.

Salmonier Nature Park is located on the Salmonier Line (Route 90), 11 km south of the Trans Canada Highway (Route 1), on the Avalon Peninsula.

For more information on Salmonier Nature Park, contact Tammy Keats, Park Manager, at (709) 229-7888.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2004 06 01                                          4:35 p.m.