The Department of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands is highlighting the importance of Newfoundland and Labrador’s forest resources by hosting and participating in National Forest Week events throughout the province from September 21-27.
Forests are vital to the economy, culture, history and future of our province. This year’s National Forest Week theme is Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability. All residents are encouraged to learn about the role of our forests and the people who work in them during a number of planned events this week.
On Wednesday, September 23, the department will co-host Forestry Day in the Park at Margaret Bowater Park in Corner Brook. More than 200 elementary students from local schools will visit the park to learn about the forest industry from the people who work in it, including Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd., Natural Resources Canada – Canadian Forest Service, and the Forest Safety Association of NL. Students and the public can take part in hands-on exhibits and demonstrations celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador’s forests, with a visit from Ember the FireSmart fox.
September 23 is also National Tree Day. In St. John’s, Tree Canada, the City of St. John’s and community partners will celebrate National Tree Day at the Shea Heights Community Centre and plant more than 100 yellow birch trees with Grade 4 students from St. John Bosco School.
The Community of Glovertown is also hosting a tree-planting event at the Ken Diamond Memorial Park and the staff and students at Glovertown Academy will take part in their own tree planting activities.
On Sunday, September 27, department staff, FireSmart practitioners, and local fire department members will participate in a public open house at Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest in Gander. This outdoor, interactive site offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Newfoundland and Labrador’s forests through trails, displays and demonstrations. The day will include tips for wildfire mitigation, FireSmart demonstrations, and a community barbecue.
The Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest has recently been revitalized as a living demonstration site for FireSmart practices funded through Atlantic Living Labs by Natural Resources Canada – Canadian Forest Service, in collaboration with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Town of Gander, FireSmart NL, and the Friends of Thomas Howe Demonstration Forest.
Residents are encouraged to check with their local communities for opportunities to participate in National Forest Week activities.
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“National Forest Week is an opportunity to celebrate the forests that are such an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history, economy and way of life. I encourage residents to take part in events happening in their communities, learn more about our forests, and discover the many ways they support our people and our province.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands
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