Programs in P.E.I.'s Provincial Parks 
     
    
   
   
    
     Once again this summer P.E.I. Provincial Parks have attempted to provide a ‘ 
     
     program for those with an interest in P.E.I.'s natural history. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Beach interpretive walks are given at Panmure Island, Brudenell River and 
     
     Basin Head in eastern P.E.I. as well as Cabot and Mill River Provincial Parks 
     
     in the western end. Following the programs at Panmure and Basin Head the 
     
     naturalist takes those interested on a snorkelling excursion to see the 
     
     acquatic plants and animals in their own environment. This serves both a 
     
     learning experience in natural history, but also gives those interested a 
     
     chance to try out snorkelling equipment and wet suits which are provided. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Slide talks also provide park users with an.interest in natural history, with 
     
     an opportunity to look into particular areas of P.E.I.'s natural history in 
     
     greater depth. Topics covered include Birds of P.E.I.'s Provincial Parks, 
     
    
   
   
    
     Flowers of P.E.I., Fox Farming, various types of fishing including lobster and 
     
     mackerel, and acquaculture, as well as the importance of P.E.I.'s natural areas. 
     
    
   
   
    
     One of the more popular programs at Brudenell River and Mill River involving 
     
    

    
     both the recreation staff and the naturalist, is the Saturday canoe trip, for 
     
    

    
     which there is a minimal charge. The participants meet at 10:30 a.m. and canoe 
     
    

    
     to a point up river from the park. Along the way there is a perfect opportunity 
     
    

    
     for dialogue about the plants and animals found along the way, as well as an 
     
     opportunity to improve your canoeing skills. Following a lunch, which is provided, 
     
     consisting of hot dogs, clams,.mussels, biscuits, the canoeists return to the marina. 
     
    
   
   
    
     At Brudenell River, Cabot and Mill River one morning is devoted to a childrens nature‘ 
     
     program. As part of a family weekend program the naturalists at these parks are 
     
     involved in a campfire program. At Cabot and Mill River Provincial Parks this 
     
     program focuses a portrayal of the life of the early settlers. In addition the 
     
     campfires include sing—a—longs, stories, as well as the ever popular passtime of 
     
     marshmallow roasting. ' 
     
    
   
   
    
     A final program which may surprise a few is a demonstration bee colony at Mill River, 
     
     Cabot and Brudenell River Provincial Parks. Behind glass windows, which form part 
     
     of the hive, you can see the activities of various members of the colony as they 
     
    

    
     go about their roles in honey production and raising young bees. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Check with the staff at any of the parks for a time table of when the various 
     
     activities take place or contact the Charlottetown Office at 892-7431. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Mill River Provincial Park 
     
    
   
   
    
     An invitation is made to all Islanders to visit the new development at Mill River. 
     
     In addition to the expansion which includes a hotel complex including a swimming 
     
     pool and 6 tennis courts, a major program has been established by provincial Parks 
     
     staff. This includes a new marina featuring canoe rentals, windsurfer rental, etc. 
     
     as well as a full complement of programmed activities. The naturalist, working 
     
     from a new naturalist office provides a full spectrum of natural history inter- 
     
     pretation for the first time in this area. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Make use of your parks this summer - Join Us. ‘