Exciting changes underway at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park

SHUBENACADIE, NS, June 21, 2016 /CNW/ - On Tuesday, June 21, during a special launch event at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources unveiled new plans for the park, including its Wetland Centre.

These exciting changes—which include new signage, an updated park map, welcome plaza, new interpretive elements in the education centre and on the wetland trail, and much more—will take shape over the next three years. The enhancements will help transform the Wildlife Park into the premier hub for interactive nature-based education in Nova Scotia, with the goal of changing the way families connect with wild places.

"DUC is excited to work with the province of Nova Scotia on this project, which will help people young and old develop a greater appreciation for their natural environment," says Grenville Jones, DUC Senior Director. "The late Ben McCrea, a Halifax businessman and conservationist, had a vision that the Wildlife Park could play an integral role in educating the public about wetlands and wildlife. We are pleased to continue to build on his vision."

"Our research shows that people greatly value the wildlife park and the services it provides. This project is a great investment in making visitors from near and far more aware of the importance of our wildlife," said Lloyd Hines, Minister of Natural Resources for Nova Scotia. 

Major enhancements to the park were initially announced in July 2015 when the Atlantic Opportunities Agency announced it would be providing $400,000 to the project. The province also announced it would allocate $200,000 toward enhancements, and DUC pledged to contribute $200,000 through fundraising.

During the event Tuesday, DUC officially kicked off that $200,000 fundraising campaign, and announced that four major donors—Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, Aqua Terra Kennels, a private estate gift, and Jim Lawley—had already pledged funds.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife, and the environment. Learn more at ducks.ca.

The Shubenacadie Wildlife Park welcomed over 100,000 visitors last year. The park is home to 30 different species of mammals and 35 species of birds. DNR is responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife and the protection of endangered species in Nova Scotia and for the oversight of wild animals in captivity.

SOURCE DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA

Image with caption: "Ducks Unlimited Canada Director Grenville Jones announces plans for the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park Project in front of the Wetland Centre on June 21, 2016 (CNW Group/DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160621_C3997_PHOTO_EN_719127.jpg

For further information: Chelsea Murray, Communications specialist, Atlantic Canada, [email protected], 902.292.2506; Bruce Nunn, Media Relations Advisor, Department of Natural Resources, [email protected], 902 424 5239