NOTE: Driving directions to the woodlands follow this release.
Nova Scotians are invited to celebrate the province’s forests through a series of field days, beginning Saturday, Sept. 20, to help celebrate National Forest Week.

“I invite everyone to take part in these activities and enjoy our forests that provide great economic benefits and recreation to all Nova Scotians,” said Environment Minister Randy Delorey, on behalf of Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill.

National Forestry Week runs from Sept. 21 to 27.

The field days, held Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., will be hosted by a different 2014 Woodland Owner of the Year each week. They 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 Sept. 20, Eastern Region recipients Richard and Carol Rowter and family will welcome visitors to their woodland in Boularderie East, Victoria Co.

On Sept. 27, Central Region recipients John and Sharon Simons and family will host a field day on their property in Springhill, Cumberland Co.

On Oct. 4, Western Region and provincial recipients Hiram and Ernest Carver of New Germany, Lunenburg Co., will share their woodland with visitors.

This is the 25th anniversary of the Woodland Owner of the Year Award.

To be eligible, nominees must own 20 to 800 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 and recreation, forest knowledge, and their woodland’s health.

Source: Release