"Wild Things Need a Place to Grow" is this year's theme for National Wildlife Week. The designation of National Wildlife Week in Prince Edward Island was announced today in the Legislature by Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment. Wildlife Week is sponsored by the Prince Edward Island government and the Canadian Wildlife Federation through its Island affiliate, the Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation.
"Wildlife Week provides an opportunity for Islanders to consider the many ways available to help in the preservation and recovery of wildlife and their habitat," stated Mr. MacAdam as he announced the designation of April 6 - 12 as Wildlife Week.
The theme "Wild Things Need a Place to Grow," is designed to raise awareness to the importance of wildlife and the environment and highlights the value of sustainable habitats to the future of wildlife. The week also offers educational opportunities for Island students. Education kits providing suggestions on how to incorporate the theme into regular classroom activities have been distributed by the Department of Fisheries and Environment to approximately 700 teachers across the Island.
Island students have been very eager in the past to help wildlife and the environment. Last year the Canadian Wildlife Federation honoured students at Georgetown Elementary School for their efforts. They awarded the school the TOP national Wildlife Week award for their work on the "Teddy's Dam Environmental Project." In praising their achievement Mr. MacAdam, noted that "This innovative project serves as an example not only for other schools and students, but for all Islanders as we consider how we can improve conditions for wildlife habitat. And we must not forget that improved wildlife habitat conditions contribute to the general well being of our total environment."
Mr. MacAdam concluded by encouraging all Islanders through their schools, service groups, communities and as individuals to become involved in maintaining and enhancing sustainable wildlife habitat, not just this week, but every week of the year.
For more information, contact Art Smith, Director, Fish and Wildlife Division, at (902) 368-6083.