Willow Park Ecology Centre offers family fun events

Willow Park Ecology Centre (WPEC) offers a variety of fun, educational events for all ages with many opportunities for recreation and learning. Located in Norval (access off Mary Street parking lot), WPEC is open daily and is a great place to enjoy nature with the family. Upcoming special events include: Kids @ Play: on Tuesday, July 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ages 5+. Pack a litterless lunch and bring your kids for a fun and educational day with us! Deadline to register is today (Wednesday). Cost is $17. After Dark: on Saturday, August 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m., open to all ages. Experience the "dark side". See and learn about bats, owls and other nocturnal creatures found here, and hopefully view a meteor shower! Register by Aug. 4. Donations welcome. WPEC Photo Contest: Snap that perfect picture during your visit to Willow Park. Entries of one photo per category of Fauna (wildlife), Flora (plants) and Friends of WPEC (people) must be submitted by August 11 to the WPEC office. This is a partnered project with the Halton Camera Exchange. For contest details see the WPEC website. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Hands-On WPEC & Art Jam: on alternate Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Excellent for high school volunteer hours, this HandsOn Stewardship Program is vital to the survival of the Park, with gardening, trails and structures upkeep and a start on building the new community, organic vegetable gardens and bird habitats. Sundays give volunteers enrichment through a chance for "outdoor art" (bring your supplies and current project). On July 23 take pictures and get them ready for the Photo Contest and on August 2 the focus is creatures of the night. Hands-on also runs Aug. 16, 20, 30. Look for regular updates in the Independent & Free Press Community Calendar. Check out www.willowparkecology.com for more details or call Tunde Otto-Harris, co-ordinator, 905-702-9055. See you in the park!