by Karina Hunter

Looking for something to do with the kids on weekends that won’t break the bank? There are many provincial parks in the Thunder Bay region, which offer free programs for children and families throughout the summer.  Kakabeca Falls, Sleeping Giant, Quetico, Rainbow Falls, MacLeod, Neys, or White Lake Provincial Park all of these are within our region and offer a multitude of activities to suit groups and families of any age or size.

Emeraude learns about the body parts of an insect.

Pictured are Natural Heritage Education (NHE) Coordinators; Shannon Farr, Anne Downy, and Angela Vincent during Sunday morning’s learning and discovery program ‘Bug Hunt’, at White Lake Provincial Park, as they search for and examine some of the creatures found with their young participant (Emeraude).  The Natural Heritage Education programs offered at all operating provincial parks, employ college and university students who bring the knowledge gained from their field of study into practice, interpreting the natural and cultural features of a park, so that visitors can understand and appreciate them.

NHE Leaders, Shannon and Anne put another bug they've caught into a trap as Emeraude supervises.

Farr, who recently completed her studies in International Development and Environmental Science at Dalhousie University, is enjoying her 2^nd year at White Lake Provincial Park, as coordinator of the NHE leaders where she supervises the development and execution, of the weekly NHE programs presented at White Lake.  These are presented on a regular schedule with the content varying from week to week. Thursday evening programs are at the amphitheatre, Fridays, participants come together around a campfire where they are treated to skits, sing-a-longs or educational presentations, Saturdays visitors enjoy day programs for families and groups and finally Sunday mornings, learning and discovery programs are offered to children which focus on participants gaining better knowledge of the park environment, local flora or fauna and our interactions with these.  

Visit http://www.ontarioparks.com to find a park near you and enjoy the programs they offer. Day use vehicle passes start at just $10/vehicle (or if like me you have an Ontario Accessible Parking Permit, all park fees are 50% off!) and at parks where you can walk-in fees are even less, as little as $1/person for kids 6-17 yrs of
age, just a toonie for adults.   

With wonderful programs offered free all summer, and endless miles of beaches and trails to explore what are you waiting for? Pack up your family and get to the Ontario Provincial Park near you!

submitted to The Echo, 07.19.09
submitted to the Chronicle Journal, 07.20.09