NOTE: A list of field days and directions follows this release.
Woodland owners and Nova Scotians interested in the outdoors are invited to enjoy the province’s forests through a series of field days, beginning Saturday, Sept. 17, to help celebrate National Forest Week.
“I invite families and individuals to take part in the field day activities and to learn, explore, and enjoy the forests,” said Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines
National Forestry Week runs from Sept. 18 to 24.
The field days, held Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., will be hosted by a different 2016 Woodland Owner of the Year each week. Visitors to the woodlots can enjoy family-friendly activities, experience trails and learn about forests and being a woodland owner. Lunch will be available for purchase.
The award winners were recognized earlier this year as outstanding woodland stewards who encourage sustainable woodland management and increase public awareness of the importance of private woodlands. Award presentations will begin around 12:30 p.m. on the following dates:
— Sept. 17, eastern region recipients Frank and Lelia Machnik will welcome visitors to their woodland in Bayfield, Antigonish Co.
— Sept. 24, central region and provincial recipients Matthew and Bonnie Harrison and family will host a field day on their property in Lynn Mountain, Cumberland Co.
— Oct. 1, western region recipients Larry and Greta Goodwin of Hillgrove, Digby Co., will share their woodland with visitors
To be eligible, nominees must own 20 to 2,000 hectares of woodland in Nova Scotia. Nominations are evaluated by a committee of foresters, wildlife specialists, industry representatives, previous winners and environmental or forestry students.
Evaluation criteria include integrated resource management with an emphasis on wood production, commitment to sustainable goals, wildlife habitat protection, enhancing recreation opportunities, forest knowledge, and their woodland’s health.
For more information, visit http://novascotia.ca/woodlandaward.
Source: Release
