Islanders are encouraged to explore their local watersheds and the wildlife that live there as they celebrate 2006 National Wildlife Week next week.
Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem says this year’s theme, Watersheds... more than just water... explore yours, provides an excellent opportunity for young Islanders to learn about their connection to watersheds. There are about 240 watersheds in PEI. Each watershed consists of all the land that water flows across or through on its way to a particular river or stream.
“Because the water resources within the watershed are interconnected, the actions of each and every individual living in the watershed combine to impact water quality,” said Minister Ballem. “Through National Wildlife Week, Island students will learn more about what they can do to protect their watershed and the wildlife that lives there.”
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry provides National Wildlife Week kits to approximately 850 Island teachers for use in the classroom. The kits, prepared by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, include lesson plans and resource materials focussing on the National Wildlife Week theme.
“Teachers play an invaluable role in spreading the conservation message,” said Minister Ballem. “I want to thank them for their continued support of National Wildlife Week and other ongoing efforts to teach our younger citizens about the importance of protecting our natural environment in Prince Edward Island.”
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, in cooperation with the PEI Wildlife Federation is sponsoring a poster contest for elementary school students on the National Wildlife Week theme. Prizes will be awarded at the school level and Island Nature Trust is providing the grand prizes – participation in the Adopt-an-Eagle program for the winners’ school.
For more information on Island watersheds and wildlife, contact the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at (902) 368-4683. Information on National Wildlife Week is also available on the Canadian Wildlife Federation web site at www.cwf-fcf.org.