News Release

Forest Festival -- Exploring Gatineau Park

GATINEAU, Que. -- October 5, 2011 -- The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, is inviting all families in the Ottawa-Gatineau region to participate in a forest activity organized by Environment Canada, in partnership with the National Capital Commission. Forest Festival will take place in Gatineau Park on Saturday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, located at 33 Scott Road in Chelsea, Quebec.

“This is an opportunity to get out and enjoy the wonderful colors of fall and to appreciate the natural environment around us,” said Minister Kent. “This is also an occasion to celebrate Environment Canada‘s 40 years of environmental leadership and to look forward to the 40 years to come.”

During the daylong event, visitors can take guided walks offered by experienced Environment Canada employees, learn more about nature, and observe the vegetation, animals and birds. Visitors can also explore the forest with their family or friends, using the Environment Canada Nature BioKit, an exploration tool to discover the country's natural riches. In addition, they can attend presentations at the visitor center on topics such as research, technologies and science at Environment Canada. Don’t miss this chance to see Hinterland Who’s Who videos and meet the hosts of this series!

For more information, visit www.ec.gc.ca/events.

For more information, please contact:

Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008

Environment Canada’s Twitter page: http://twitter.com/environmentca

Environment Canada’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/environmentcan