National Wildlife Week, April 6 to 12

Nova Scotians are doing their part to celebrate National Wildlife Week from April 6 to 12, thanks to participation by the Department of Natural Resources and the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.

National Wildlife Week raises awareness about the importance of wildlife and wildlife habitat in Nova Scotia and throughout Canada. The goals of the week reflect many of the wildlife protection initiatives the Department of Natural Resources takes on year-round.

The 2008 theme is pollinators -- from flowers to food to our future. The department and the Museum of Natural History are asking students, grades primary to six to participate in an art contest.

Pollinators are responsible for one third of the food people eat. The pollination process is vital for reproduction of about 90 per cent of the seed producing, plant species in the world. Parasites, some pesticides, changing climate and habitat loss are all threats affecting pollinators.

Students are to illustrate a pollinator, for example, a bee and a plant, and explain why pollinators are important. There are two categories, primary to Grade 3 and grades four to six. A total of six prizes will be awarded. Also, 10 of the most colourful and creative entries from each category will be displayed at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.

Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park will also host the Saint Andrew's Marsh Nature Hike in celebration of National Wildlife Week. On Sunday, April 6, hikers will meet at the picnic area at 10 a.m. A trained interpreter will guide participants through a one kilometre, mixed forest, hiking trail to and from the Saint Andrew's Marsh. There will be a $2 fee per person and pre-registration is required by contacting Sue Penney at 902-758-5316 or by e-mailing [email protected] .

For 45 years, the Canadian Wildlife Federation has partnered with federal, provincial and territorial wildlife and related agencies, to develop and implement the National Wildlife Week program in Canada.

For more information on National Wildlife Week, visit www.nationalwildlifeweek.ca/ .