How "wild" is your community? Islanders are being asked to ponder that question as they join Canadians from coast to coast to coast in celebrating National Wildlife Week.
Today in the Legislature, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan designated April 8-14 National Wildlife Week in Prince Edward Island. Minister Gillan said this year's theme, "Our Community Includes Wildlife. Does Yours?," speaks to what National Wildlife Week is all about.
"Conservation is a community affair," the Minister said. "Whether it is hanging birdfeeders in our backyards, taking part in a beach sweep or roadside cleanup, or planting shrubs and flowers around community centres, we can all take steps to preserve and enhance habitat for wildlife."
This year, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, in cooperation with the PEI Wildlife Federation, has embarked on a new initiative to mark National Wildlife Week - a poster contest for elementary children. The project is being piloted this year in the Eastern School District. Island Nature Trust is also supporting the initiative through the donation of the grand prizes.
Minister Gillan noted his Department has once again provided Wildlife Week kits to approximately 900 Island teachers for use in the classroom. The Wildlife Week kit is designed to encourage students to get involved in community habitat projects, providing a step-by-step strategy to follow.
As well this year, 50 community kits were provided to conservation groups across the province. The kits promote the Canadian Wildlife Federation's new conservation program, Communities for Wildlife, which is designed to inspire community members to make public spaces more wildlife-friendly.
Communities for Wildlife includes projects such as how to build and maintain bird feeders and how to nurture wetlands, as well as ideas on how and where to plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to attract a variety of wildlife. Projects undertaken with seniors' groups through the Canadian Wildlife Federation's Golden Gardens program, or with students through the Habitat 2000, are eligible for funding.
Minister Gillan said the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment also provides financial assistance and technical support for community wildlife habitat initiatives through the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program and the Wildlife Conservation Fund Program.
"Through these programs, dozens of groups have carried out vital conservation work across the province. I applaud their efforts, and I encourage all Islanders to take advantage of these programs and to take up the challenge of this year's National Wildlife Week theme. Take steps to improve habitat for wildlife, not just this one week but throughout the year," the minister said.
For more information on National Wildlife Week, the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program or the Wildlife Conservation Fund Program, please contact the Fish and Wildlife Division at 368-4683. For details on the Canadian Wildlife Federation's new Communities for Wildlife program, call 1-800-563-WILD (9453) or visit the website at .