Arbor Day in the Assiniboine Forest

MEDIA RELEASE:

WINNIPEG May 03, 2006 - Arbor Day Celebrations in the Assiniboine Forest will take place on Saturday, May 6th.

“Other holidays repose upon the past, Arbor Day proposes for the future”, J. Sterling, founder of Arbor Day.
Arbor Day emphasizes the importance of conserving our natural resources and acknowledging the role of forests and trees in our daily lives.

The Assiniboine Forest, Winnipeg’s largest natural area, provides an ideal location to celebrate Arbor Day in Winnipeg. Comprised of over 700 acres of predominantly aspen-oak forest, the Forest contains two wetland areas and over 11 acres of endangered tall grass prairie habitat, making it the ideal home for a variety of wildlife species. With over 8 km of multi-use trails, the Forest is also an ideal location for a variety of educational and recreational activities, providing unique learning experiences and a quiet place to escape the city to relax and enjoy nature.

To celebrate Arbor Day in the Assiniboine Forest two volunteer events are taking place:

• THE PAWS ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN-UP - this volunteer event is organized by P.A.W.S., a group of responsible dogs and their owners who came together in 1997 to claim the responsibility of ensuring the Assiniboine Forest is a clean, safe place for all Forest users. This year, any interested volunteers are invited to meet in the Forest parking lot at Grant Ave. and Chalfont Rd. at 10:00 am. Garbage bags and refreshments will be provided.
• SHAW EUROPEAN BUCKTHORN REMOVAL - volunteers from SHAW Communications will work with staff from the City of Winnipeg’s Naturalist Services Branch to remove an invasive plant species from the Forest understory known as European Buckthorn.

For further information about these events or the Assiniboine Forest, contact Naturalist Services at 311 or nswayze.