Biodiversity short course o ered in Truro and Springhill

e Department of Natural Resources is o ering a special forest biodiversity stewardship short course in Truro, Friday, May 11, and in Springhill, Saturday. May 12.

The course is designed for woodland owners who are interested in learning about important biodiversity features as well as various options to protect and enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat on their land.

A new Forest Diversity Guide has been published recently by DNR full of information and photos to help landowners make informed decisions when decid- ing what actions to take on their land. e course will, among other things, familiarize participants with the guide so that they can make the best of the situations they are faced with on their properties.

Some of the topics will in- clude: roles and responsibilities of crown and private lands and their owners; best management practices on the ground, legal requirements, special forest features such as cavity trees and snags, coarse woody material, old growth, raptor nests, deer wintering areas, bats and hibernacula, bear dens, heron colonies, soils, land classi cation, watercourse roles and protection, vernal pools, beaver ponds and species at risk.

There will be a number of hands-on activities offered, including identifying various plants and animals such as black ash. Speakers will include a DNR forest ecologist/ professor and a DNR wildlife biologist.

e Friday session will be at the NSCC Truro campus, Forrester Hall, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. e Saturday session will be at the NSCC Springhill campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Light snacks will be provided. Cost for the course is $20 at the door.

Participants must preregister to reserve a spot. To register, contact 1-866-226-7577, 902-8936415; Simon.mutabazi@novascotia.ca.