2006 Parks as Nature�s Classroom

Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, and Joan Burke, Minister of Education, announced today that the Parks as Nature�s Classroom program will be available to teachers and students again this year from September 13 to October 25. The program is offered by the Parks and Natural Areas Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation.

�Our parks and reserves provide summertime camping and recreation opportunities however in the fall they offer a natural educational environment for many students in our province,� said Minister Jackman. �This annual program receives tremendous support by teachers and students and attracts about 2,000 participants each year.� Due to the increased demand for the program, it has been extended by two weeks this year.

The Parks as Nature�s Classroom program is an environmental education program that was developed cooperatively with the Department of Education to meet the curriculum objectives for Grades 1 - 6. �It is important that we create interesting and unique ways, whenever possible, to help our students to learn,� said Minister Burke. �This is a wonderful curriculum-based program that takes students and teachers outside the classroom and demonstrates how school lessons relate to the world around us.�

The 2006 program will be offered at Butter Pot Provincial Park, Lockston Path Provincial Park, Notre Dame Provincial Park, Barachois Pond Provincial Park, J. T. Cheeseman Provincial Park, and Cape St. Mary�s and Burnt Cape Ecological Reserves. Program bookings may be made at individual sites by contacting the interpretive staff.

�This program has proven to be a truly rewarding experience for students while promoting a sense of pride and understanding of our province�s special places. I would encourage all schools, teachers and students to participate,� said Minister Jackman.

Contact for booking:

• Butter Pot Provincial Park � Andrea Martin/Doug Harrison, (709)685-1853
• Lockston Path Provincial Park � Barbara-Lynn Randell, (709)464-3553
• Notre Dame Provincial Park � Lisa Pollett, (709)535-2919, 535-2379
• J. T. Cheeseman Provincial Park � Lorna LaFosse, (709)695-7222
• Barachois Pond Provincial Park � Catherine Organ, (709)649-0048
• Pistolet Bay Provincial Park/Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve � Elizabeth Smith/ Jackie Bessey, (709)454-7795
• Cape St. Mary�s Ecological Reserve � Jason McGrath/Chris Mooney/Kyran Power
  Vanessa English, (709)277-1666

Media contact: Tina Coffey, Communications, (709) 729-5783, 728-8650

2006 09 11                                     3:00 p.m.