Environment and Conservation
April 7, 2008

The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, encourages all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in National Wildlife Week activities taking place in the province from April 6-12.

"National Wildlife Week is an opportunity for us to reflect upon the idea that healthy wildlife populations and habitat are important to our social and economic well-being," said Minister Johnson. "The health of our wildlife is an excellent indication of the health of the environment on which we depend, and it is our responsibility to ensure the sustainability of our wildlife by providing a healthy habitat and conserving and protecting all wildlife species."

To celebrate National Wildlife Week, several activities and events will be organized by Salmonier Nature Park staff. The annual Wild About Art contest will be taking place in schools throughout the province. The park staff will also visit various schools to pilot two new educational programs. The first of these is entitled All About Bears, a program directed toward the curriculum objectives of primary and elementary students. Students will have an opportunity to learn about bears as they study a polar bear skin, bear skulls, radio collars and even a mounted baby black bear cub. The second program, the Natural Legacies Presentation, is geared toward junior and senior high school students, and is directly related to the high school curriculum. Students will have an opportunity to learn the importance of keen observation skills in the recording of natural history data, as they explore the works of several well-known local naturalists such as George Cartwright.

The theme of this year�s National Wildlife Week is Pollinators � from flowers to food to our future. Pollination, one of the most important ecological processes on the planet, is integral to the reproduction of about 90 per cent of the seed-producing plant species in the world. It is a fundamental function in ecosystems and pollinators play a critical role.

"In keeping with this year�s theme, I encourage people to consider the importance of pollination," said Minister Johnson. "Without pollinators such as birds, bees and bats, our planet would eventually run out of food, medicine and wood products. It is important to dedicate Wildlife Week to these species which are significant to our environment and to create an awareness of how we can help pollinators survive and thrive in our natural world."

Minister Johnson also reminds the public that many of their actions can have an impact on pollinators and, therefore, affect the health of our environment. "Reducing waste and recycling, planting native trees and shrubs, providing healthy habitats and ensuring existing ecosystems remain healthy by following an earth-friendly lifestyle will ensure the survival of pollinators and the health of plants and animals on our planet."

During National Wildlife Week, the Wildlife Division located at 177 Riverside Drive, Corner Brook, is inviting the public to view exhibits on display from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., April 7-11. Furthermore, the division is hosting a series of lunchtime speakers throughout the week from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily. Speakers will address concerns relative to pollination.

The lunchtime speaker series is as follows:

April 7:     Insect Pollinators: So Much More Than Bees and Butterflies: Shelley Pardy Moores
April 8:     A Sivilculture Perspective on Pollinators: Wooddale Provincial Tree Nursery
April 9:     Backyards in Bloom, a Pasadena Experience: Henry Mann  
April 10:   The Role of Bees in Agriculture: Ruth Anne Blanchard
April 11:   Not All Pollinators are Insects: Lois Batemen  

All presentations are open to the public.

For more information on National Wildlife Week activities, please call the Salmonier Nature Park at 709-229-7888, or call the Corner Brook Wildlife Division office at 709-637-2007.