ACTIVITIES IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

(with this issue we begin what we hope will become a regular feature - NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL PARK. In this way our members have the opportunity to become better informed and thereby more involved in the activities offered by the park.)

This summer will be an action-packed one at Prince Edward Island National Park. Along with our regular Interpretive Program, seVeral special programs are being planned to take place throughout the summer.

To herald the long awaited arrival of spring, our annual event, Birds and Breakfast will be held again this year on May 29. This special program has been a favourite in the past and is popular with "birders" and "non-birders" alike. Bring the whole family and your friends. We will be meeting at Rustico Island Campground at 6:30 a.m. sharp. Park Interpreters will lead small groups into different habitats to look for recent arrivals of spring migrants to the Prak. At about 8:00 a.m., everyone.will gather for a hearty breakfast, prepared by a local Women's Institute and available for a small fee. Bring your own binoculars and bird identification books, if you have them, and be prepared to have a wonderful time!

Another special program is being planned this summer which will be of interest tobird lovers. Recent studies have shown that increased use of some of the Park beaches has resulted in a marked decrease in nesting success for the Piping Plover, a small migrant shorebird, whose numbers are decreasing yearly. Twenty pairs, representing 1% of the world's dwindling population, are known to nest on the shores of Prince Edward Island National Park. Due to concern for this bird, considered to be a threatened species, Parks Canada plans to take action to alleviate the situation. Further details about this program will be announced later in May through the media.

Later on in the summer, another annual special event will be held. Islander gay, an all day extravaganza, will take place on the first Saturday in August.

A giant Sandsculpturing Contest will be held and prizes will be given for the best creation in sand depicting the theme of the day. This special day is full of fun with summer activities for the whole family.

The Park Players Theatre Troupe will be back this year to entertain everyone with their lighthearted portrayal of natural and human history. They are likely to turn up anywhere, at any time, to perform, so keep an eye out for them. Details of their whereabouts will be posted on bulletin boards in the Park.

-Our regular Interpretive Program will include evening programs and guided walks held on a regular basis in the Cavendish and Dalvay areas. The content of these programs ranges from edible wilds to the indepth field hikes relating to the geology, dunes and history found within the Park. The full details will be given in our newsletter on Park Activities which is printed three times during the summer. Specific dates for special events will be included in this brochure and posted on our bulletin boards.

We're looking forward to seeing you at our many events this summer at P.E.I. National Park. For more detailed information, call an Interpreter at the Park, 672-2211.

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