The PEI Roadrunners Club and the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry will be hosting the Provincial Forest Fall Frolic event at the New Harmony Demonstration Woodlot this Saturday to help raise funds for MacIntyre House.
While there are many areas on Prince Edward Island where people can enjoy a fall walk or run, over the past few years the flat and rough terrain of forests, fields, and woodland roads northeast of Souris on Route 303 have become a magnet for the PEI Roadrunners Club and recreational cross-country runners alike.
“This is a great opportunity for runners to take in the colour of the leaves, the crisp fall air and the fragrance of an Island forest while raising funds for a worthy cause,” said Jamie Ballem, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry. “I encourage families who enjoy the outdoors to participate as well.”
The Provincial Forest Fall Frolic features a 4.6 kilometre race and a 12.3 kilometre Championship Points Series race. This year registration begins at 9 a.m., with the race starting at 10 a.m. Fees are minimal and children under 16 may participate for free.
Last year, 60 Islanders participated in the event. Scott Clark of Summerside won the men’s division and the overall title in a time of 47 minutes, 50 seconds. Pam Power McKenna won the women’s division in 55:27. Ryan Doucette won the 4.6 kilometre
race for the second time in a row, with a time of 18:41.
The Provincial Forest Fall Frolic raises money for MacIntyre House, a group home which provides a safe and nurturing environment for mentally-challenged adults. The funds raised help MacIntyre House to buy equipment and support activities which benefit their residents.
The Provincial Forest program manages some 18,000 hectares of public forest land across the Island. This land is managed for timber, wildlife habitat, recreation and other forest uses. Over the years, the program has worked to improve the health and vigour of public forests, build proper forest roads, and establish walking and hiking trails.
For more information on the 2006 Provincial Forest Fall Frolic, contact the Eastern Forest District Office at (902) 961-7296.