Recreational Activities

Humans are a part of the natural environment and swimming, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and camping are all great ways to enjoy the outdoors. Try to leave the areas you visit in the same state as when you first arrived so that you and others can enjoy these places in the future. Share the experiences you have and the Leave No Trace principles with your friends and family and encourage them to spend time outdoors as well.

       

Keep it Wild!
The seven Leave No Trace principles are great guidelines to follow when spending time in the woods:
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Others

For more details on each of these principles and to learn more about Leave No Trace Canada please visit www.leavenotrace.ca or call 1-877-238-9343.

To request a copy of “Keep it Wild: A Guide for Low Impact Recreation in Nova Scotia’s Wilderness Areas” call the Nova Scotia Environment Protected Areas Branch: 902-424-2117.

 

Children and Nature

Kids today are spending less time in nature and more time indoors. It is estimated that children spend over 30 hours a month with electronics and less than an hour in nature. Studies have found that kids can readily identify hundreds of corporate logos but few things in their backyard. The author of “Last Child in the Woods”, Richard Louv describes this as “nature deficit disorder” and has found that a lost connection with the outdoors can increase the chances of depression and obesity. Children are our future - a strong connection with nature as a child can result in support as an adult to preserve and protect our precious natural areas. Our world is changing fast, we must reconnect our children. To view some nature activities for kids and families visit:
Adventure Earth Centre: www.earthed.ns.ca
Children and Nature Network: www.childrenandnature.org