Celebrating National Wildlife Week 2005

The Department of Environment and Conservation�s Salmonier Nature Park is partnering with the Canadian Wildlife Federation during the week of April 10-16 to celebrate National Wildlife Week in the province. The theme for National Wildlife Week this year is "Explore and Embrace a Special Wild Place".

Coinciding with this year�s theme, Salmonier Nature Park is coordinating a Special Wild Space School Challenge, which will challenge schools around the province to find or create a special wild space on their school grounds.

This space will provide a healthy habitat for wildlife while providing students, teachers and visitors with a special place where they can explore their relationship with the wild and connect with nature. The Salmonier Nature Park will follow the progress of these schools for one year and highlight successful projects during Wildlife Week 2006. All schools in the province are encouraged to jump on board the Special Wild Space School Challenge and create or nurture a special wild space in their own backyards.

Also as part of National Wildlife Week celebrations, schools in the province have been invited to participate in Salmonier Nature Park�s Third Annual Art and Writing Contest. Young people throughout the province are encouraged to submit either a written or art entry about this year�s theme "Explore and Embrace a Special Wild Place". Winners will be announced on Friday, April 15.

For more information on National Wildlife Week and related activities, please call the Salmonier Nature Park at (709) 229-7888.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 04 08                          1:05 p.m.