More than 30,000 individuals visited the Salmonier Nature Park between June and October this year, marking another successful season for the interpretive facility.

"It is evident that visitors appreciate the unique beauty of the nature park and the opportunity to see Newfoundland and Labrador wildlife in a natural setting," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, acting Minister of Environment and Conservation. "I am very pleased with the high visitation numbers which are certainly indicative of the quality product that is offered at this site."

In addition to the public visitation program at Salmonier Nature Park, a number of successful outreach programs were also co-ordinated during the 2008 season.

This past spring, Natural Legacies, a unique program which interprets the history of nature study in Newfoundland and Labrador, was launched within several schools on the West Coast and Northern Peninsula. Through curriculum-linked presentations on bears, endangered species and natural legacies, park interpreters visit schools and encourage students to learn more about our early naturalists and observe nature more closely. Throughout the fall and the winter, these programs will be offered to schools on the Avalon and Burin peninsulas as well.

In July, Salmonier Nature Park hosted the International Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program Conference. Marking the first time this event was held outside of the United States, co-ordinators from Canada and the United States gathered in Bauline South for several days of presentations, discussions and program planning. The Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, which is co-ordinated annually through the nature park, provides an opportunity for women to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to carry out outdoor activities such as canoeing, outdoor survival, map and compass, fly fishing, hunting, hiking and backpacking.

"Along with the informative public visitation program offered at the park, there are many worthwhile programs that help engage people to learn more about our natural heritage," said Minister Jackman. "The public outreach programs are designed to target specific groups throughout the province, and they provide a valuable insight into many aspects of the natural wonders that are a part of the Newfoundland and Labrador experience."