Parks as Nature’s Classroom Program Gets Underway for New School Year
Primary and elementary students are invited into the province’s magnificent protected areas to enjoy hands-on learning and fun, as the Parks as Nature’s Classroom program gears up for the new school year. From September 14 to October 19, the annual program will turn parks and reserves into outdoor classrooms.
“The Parks as Nature’s Classroom program gives us an opportunity to promote environmental conservation and stewardship in a spectacular outdoor setting,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “This is the 14th year we have delivered this program in the province, and we are very pleased to make this experience available to our young people who continuously exhibit a keen interest in environmental education.”
The program was developed in conjunction with the Department of Education and is designed to complement the science curriculum, while exploring nature at the same time. With the guidance of a park or reserve interpreter, teachers and students will learn about such topics as animals, habitats, plants and soil erosion.
“I encourage teachers and students to participate in this worthwhile learning opportunity that takes students into our outdoor spaces,” said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. “It is important that we develop and promote unique means of complementing our existing curriculum, and this program certainly achieves that goal.”
The Parks as Nature’s Classroom program is offered free of charge to participants. Schools are encouraged to book early, as there is limited time and space. See the backgrounder below for a complete listing of participating parks and reserves and contact information.
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Media contacts:
Melony O’Neill Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575, 689-0928 moneill@gov.nl.ca |
Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Parks as Nature’s Classroom
Provincial Park | Contact | Telephone |
Butter Pot | Andrea Pretty or Doug Harrison | 709-685-1853 |
Lockston Path | Patricia Perry | 709-464-3553 |
Notre Dame | Lisa Pollett | 709-535-2919/2379 |
J.T. Cheeseman | Lorna LaFosse | 709-695-7222 |
Barachois Pond | Brad LeDrew | 709-649-0048 |
Pistolet Bay | Elizabeth Smith or Jackie Bessey | 709-454-7795 |
Ecological Reserve | Contact | Telephone |
Burnt Cape | Elizabeth Smith or Jackie Bessey | 709-454-7795 |
Cape St. Mary’s | Chris Mooney, Kyran Power, Vanessa Roche or Todd Hollett | 709-277-1666 |
Mistaken Point | Julie Cappleman or Edwina Ward | 709-438-1100 |
2011 09 14 9:35 a.m.