Salmonier Nature Park will open to visitors on Tuesday, June 1. The park will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., with 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. reserved for seniors, people who are immunocompromised, and persons with disabilities.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some areas of the park may not be accessible to visitors, such as the former visitor centre washrooms and seating inside the new visitor centre. Access to Butler’s Trail and Salmonier River (inside the park boundary) are available by permit only.
Salmonier Nature Park provides a unique setting to view a variety of wildlife species. The facility has 17 wildlife enclosures that are directly adjacent to a three-kilometre wooden boardwalk/nature trail, surrounded by unique boreal forest habitat, freshwater streams and small ponds. The facility attracts thousands of visitors annually, including large numbers of children and young adults who visit as part of their school curriculum or for other educational programs.
One of these programs is Wild Outreach, a virtually delivered, science-based curriculum for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Since January 2021, more than 2,500 students from around the province have participated in over 130 sessions, learning about bats, owls and other wildlife. This program has concluded for this school year and will resume in September.
Salmonier Nature Park also serves as a primary location for delivery of the Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, performing a vital role in the care, rehabilitation, release or captive placement of injured or orphaned wildlife rescued by department Conservation Officers.
All visitors to Salmonier Nature Park are required to adhere to COVID-19 public health orders. Please see backgrounder for COVID-19 protocols. For additional information contact park officials at 709-229-7888 or email salmoniernaturepark@gov.nl.ca.
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“I look forward to the opening of Salmonier Nature Park to visitors. This gorgeous facility performs a vital role in educating the public about our wildlife and outdoor resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have recognized the enjoyment and benefits of spending time in our natural surroundings. I encourage everyone to join family and friends, and plan a visit to this special place.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Salmonier Nature Park – COVID-19/Visitor Protocols
- Physical distancing must be maintained at all times. If you are experiencing covid symptoms, please stay home.
- The total number of visitors permitted within the park at any one time will be limited and parking space will be restricted to a maximum of 60 vehicles.
- Visitors will be required to enter through the check-in area at the main entrance of the park and will only be permitted to enter with others who are part of their bubble.
- Group sizes are not permitted to exceed 10 people, and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Foot traffic within the park will be one-way only.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be present throughout the park and cleaning schedules for public washrooms and other high-traffic areas will be enhanced.
- Washroom access will be restricted to one bubble at a time.
- Masks must be worn inside public buildings at all times.
- During peak visitor times physically distanced line-ups may be necessary.
- Pets are not be permitted in the park.