Celebrate National Forest Week in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians can celebrate National Forest Week with the Department of Natural Resources by taking part in various activities around the province that showcase the diversity of provincial forests.

The week runs from Sunday, Sept. 20, to Saturday, Sept. 26, with the theme Canada's Forest: Strong Roots, Green Shoots.

"One of the many benefits our forests provide is that the roots stabilize soil and stream banks," said Natural Resources Minister John MacDonell. "This year's theme will help Nova Scotians to understand these benefits, as well as appreciate additional values that forests provide to our province."

Natural Resources staff are continuing the tradition of joining with local groups and associations to conduct National Forest Week activities that teach people about the value of forests.

Events around the province include:

• Daily "Treevia" contests on radio stations in Truro, New Glasgow, Yarmouth, Port Hawkesbury, Amherst, Kentville, Antigonish, New Minas and Halifax. The department will provide T-shirts and Nova Scotia atlases as prizes.

• On Saturday, Sept. 26, George and Phylis Cook, winners of the Woodlot Owner of the Year Award in the central region, will host a field day at their woodlot in New Annan, Colchester Co. and will be presented with their award. A field day for provincial winner Rex Veinot of Maplewood, Lunenburg Co., will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 during the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association Fall Trade Show.

• Staff in some areas will talk with Grade 6 students about the importance of forests and help them plant seedlings.

During National Forest Week, the department is releasing the video Ask Me if I'm a Tree, featuring children's entertainer Jim Dalling. The educational, entertaining, and interactive show for grades 3 to 6 explains the benefits of trees and how forests work. Teachers can go to www.gov.ns.ca/natr, select the National Forest Week link, and sign up for a copy.

National Forest Week is co-ordinated by the Canadian Forestry Association. Events are organized and sponsored locally. More information about National Forest Week activities is available at www.gov.ns.ca/natr .