PROVINCIAL PARKS THIS SUMMER 
     
    
   
   
    
     Take a stroll with a Provincial Park Naturalist this summer and discover the 
     
     varied plant and animal life found in Island ecological systems. Whether through 
     
     a wood walk, beach walk or maybe just a friendly chat, there is no better way of 
     
     becoming acquainted with the natural history of Prince Edward Island. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Brudenell River, Mill River and Cabot Provincial Parks offer scheduled 
     
     interpretive programs from late June to early September. The naturalist staff 
     
     also get involved in running short programs in some of the smaller parks as well 
     
     as participate in many of Provincial Parks' special days, including Senior Citizens 
     
     Day and the Brudenell River Canoe Race. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Although each naturalist designs their program to suit the park locale, 
     
     certain activities, such as beach walks, are common throughout the interpretive 
     
     system. These one-hour walks unmask the mystery of the various shellfish, sea- 
     
     weeds and other animal and plant life found along our shores. 
     
    
   
   
    
     More about shellfish may be found at "Shellfish Delight," one of many slide 
     
     talks offered by the interpretive staff. Included with these illustrated talks 
     
     are some tasty examples of cooked shellfish common to the park. Other slide 
     
     talks might include a history of the silver fox industry in P.E.I., lobster and 
     
     other forms of fishing, and interesting natural areas of P.E.I. Not all slide 
     
     talks are available in every park so contact one of the interpretive or recreation 
     
     staff members for information. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Another interpretive program offering edible samples is the Honeybee Colony 
     
     Demonstrations at Mill River and Cabot. The twice-weekly demonstrations are held 
     
     in a specially-constructed building where the bees are visible behind glass windows. 
     
     The social interactions between the bees, in addition to the complete honey-making 
     
     process, can be seen through these window panes. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The interpretive staff and the Island Nature Trust worked closely together 
     
     in 1984 to develop Canada's only living wildflower garden. Located at Brudenell 
     
     River Provincial Park, the garden contains over 100 identified plants, most of 
     
     them naturally occurring. A boardwalk covers a significant portion of the trail. 
     
     During the summer months, the interpretive staff will be offering guided walks on 
     
     a weekly basis. 
     
    
   
   
    
     The interpretive staff also work closely with the recreation staff to design 
     
     and develop joint programs, such as the day-long canoe hike at Mill River and 
     
     Brudenell River Provincial Parks. The participants in this family oriented 
     
     activity take a leisurely paddle down the park river to a picnic site where 
     
     clams, mussels and hot dogs are cooked over an open fire. The naturalist takes 
     
     time out during the trip to show participants some of the more interesting plants 
     
     and animals the park has to offer. 
     
    
   
   
    
     Plenty of other interpretive activities are offered by Provincial Parks 
     
     during the summer months, including guided walks, nature crafts and campfires. 
     
     The staff is always available to answer any questions on the plant and animal 
     
     life of P.E.I. or to just have a conversation on the weather. Participating 
     
     in interpretive programs is just one more way of making your visit to Provincial 
     
     Parks more interesting, ecucational and enjoyable. 
     
    
   
   
    
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