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Environment and Conservation
Education
September 14, 2011

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.

 
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