CFN – As we transition into summer, we’re pleased to pass along two family friendly events scheduled this Friday and Saturday. Both of these organizations celebrate the Natural World that delights and surrounds us… if we would just stop… to look… and appreciate.
Grand Opening of Heartland Forest Nature Centre
Niagara Falls, ON – Since Heartland Forest’s inception there has been a dream for a permanent facility. On June 21st and June 22nd they will celebrate that dream come true with the Grand Opening of the 14,000 square foot multi-purpose fully accessible Nature Centre. “By working together to ‘make nature accessible for all’, we are enriching the lives of all people and making a difference for the environment”. In the presence of the Hon. David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21st with the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice, Kim Craitor, MPP, Jim Diodati, Mayor of Niagara Falls and Gary Burroughs, Regional Chair.
The Nature Centre Grand Opening will be held on two days, Friday June 21st and Saturday June 22nd and features the “I am Coyote” Art Show in partnership with Coyote Watch Canada and the City of Niagara Falls Arts & Culture Committee. Showcasing and celebrating the beauty of coyote, the “I Am Coyote” Art Show will feature a variety of art and artists from across North America. The “I Am Coyote” Art Show will be on display at the new Heartland Forest Nature Centre this Friday and Saturday.
DATE: Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd 2013
TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PLACE: Heartland Forest Nature Experience 8215 Kalar Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario
With the commitment to offer both an accessible wetland and woodland environment, the new Nature Centre enhances their current areas of service and provides opportunities for employment. Situated on the edge of the forest, the Nature Centre has a rustic appeal with natural finishes and seating for up to 150. Adjacent to the Discovery Atrium is the Bird’s Nest Party Room and the Blue Salamander Nature Café and Store. The wings of the centre house classrooms, an arts studio as well as space for seminars and workshops and indoor recreational activities.
With Heartland Forest’s continual desire to be seen as a leading example of accessibility and environmental stewardship, the building follows the principles of Universal Design and adheres to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
FOR INFORMATION:
Elisabeth Graham, Executive Director, Heartland Forest, 905.359.1707 Elisabeth.graham@heartlandforest.org
St. Lawrence River Institute Creates a Buzz with Insect Workshop at OPG’s St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
Cornwall, ON – This summer the River Institute will partner up once again with the OPG St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre to deliver a fun-filled and fascinating series of science and nature workshops for all ages. The first workshop kicks off the summer on Saturday, June 22nd from noon to 4 pm when the OPG Visitor Centre plays host to a jam packed afternoon dedicated to insects that promises to be fun for all ages.
Is a spider an insect? What is an invertebrate? River Institute scientists and educators will provide all kinds of interesting information and lead hands-on activities that will answer those questions.
Visitors can take a microscopic look at preserved specimens by exploring the River Institute’s insect collection. They can also learn all about interesting insect adaptations and their biological importance. Opportunities to track, net, handle and identify live insects will also be provided. Workshops are free and can be signed up for upon arrival at the Visitor Centre, 2500B Second St. West.
The OPG Visitor Centre also offers displays and interactive exhibits that describe the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project construction story and its effects on the nearby communities. Visitors can learn and observe how OPG safely generates electricity at its nuclear, thermal and hydro generating stations located across Ontario. The Centre is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Visit www.opg.com/stlawrencevisitorcentre
for details or call 613-932-4563 ext. 3523 for more information.
Other workshops scheduled with OPG at the Visitor Centre this summer take place on July 6 (Fish: noon – 4 pm) and August 7(Bats: 7pm – 9 pm). All workshops are delivered by science educators from the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences. Programs are free of charge and are family-oriented. For more details, visit www.riverinstitute.ca or call the River Institute at (613)936-6620 for more information.
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