"Give Wildlife an Edge...Protect Our Shorelines" is this year's theme for National Wildlife Week. The designation of April 5 - 11 as 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," said Mr. MacAdam as he announced the designation of Wildlife Week. "The theme "Give Wildlife an Edge...Protect Our Shorelines" has a special resonance for Islanders. For many species, the shorelines and surrounding areas they depend on for habitat is under threat. As Islanders, we are the caretakers of hundreds of miles of shoreline, both coastal and inland. As humans we benefit from the use and enjoyment we derive from shorelines. As users of shoreline, we must also be aware of the potential threat our actions pose to wildlife," said Mr. MacAdam.
The Department of Fisheries and Environment has once again provided Wildlife Week kits to over 700 teachers of elementary grades and science classes at junior and senior high levels. The Wildlife Week kit is designed to help students understand the
connections between a resource like shorelines and wildlife. Also included in the kit is information on the Habitat 2000 Fund. This program provides financial assistance to classes, schools or groups who take the initiative to develop and plan wildlife habitat enhancement projects. Island students have been very eager in the past to help wildlife through this program and last year the Canadian Wildlife Federation honoured students at Belfast Consolidated School by awarding them an Honourable Mention for their efforts to enhance wildlife habitat.
Mr. MacAdam concluded by encouraging all Islanders through their schools, service groups, communities and as individuals to become involved in maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat, not just this week, but every week of the year.