Come and Explore Our Biodiversity
Fee: Free. Registration is not required. Everyone is welcome.  This program is suitable for children.

The theme for the 2015 is Biodiversity for Sustainable Development and on May 22, Biodiversity Day, we are celebrating at MUN Botanical Garden. Salmonier Nature Park, MUN's Ocean Sciences Centre and Oceans Learning Partnerships will join the Botanical Garden in offering a full day of programs, activities and nature hikes which explore our province's unique biodiversity.

Salmonier Nature Park:
Learn all about our provinces’ local mammals from Salmonier Nature Park, including what to do when you encounter a coyote or bear. Nature Park staff will be on hand to answer all your questions and to show their fascinating collection of “Touch Table Items”.

MUN Ocean Sciences Center:
The Department of Ocean Sciences' marine public education program (PEP) is presenting an interactive activity "Come and Explore the Ocean Creatures". Features of the program will include a touch tank, where visitors can experience a never - ending variety of local marine invertebrates and a Harp seal video presentation. Marine interpreters will be on hand to answer questions and explain current research initiatives at Ocean Sciences. They will be joined by Field Operations and Outreach, Oceans Learning Partnership (OLP).

Oceans Learning Partnership:
All life in the ocean begins with plankton. Come see this tiny plants and animals up-close and learn about how a lobster starts as plankton and how long it takes to grow into a large lobster! Also World Oceans Day celebrations will be taking place June 5-8th in our region so come find out more about all the events!

Botanical Garden education staff will host special biodiversity nature hikes, including the special plants and environments we have here on the island of Newfoundland. Check out some plants up close under a microscope and meet some of the non-native critters who live in our field centre.

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. This is a day to reflect on the state and value of biodiversity. 

The theme for the 2015 is 'Biodiversity for Sustainable Development' to reflect the importance of efforts made to establish a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the UN post-2015 development agenda for the period of 2015-2030 and the relevance of biodiversity for the achievement of sustainable development. For more information: http://biodiversity-l.iisd.org/events/international-day-for-biological-diversity-2015/