CREDA File

Welcome to the CREDA File, a monthly column on economic development issues and activities in Cumberland County from the files of the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association - published monthly in the Citizen newspaper.

July, 2007

 

Congratulations to the 13 Joggins Fossil Cliffs Essential Skills Development and Training Program students who received their graduation certificates during a ceremony on June 29th. The training program was delivered at River Hebert District High School through a unique partnership between the Chignecto Central Regional School Board, the high school, and the Nova Scotia Community College Cumberland Campus in Springhill.

Initiated by CREDA and the Joggins Fossil Institute the program was designed to help address a growing labour shortage in the tourism sector, as well as to provide a potential labour pool for the new Joggins Fossil Cliffs Interpretive Centre scheduled for completion this fall. Funding was provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services, Service Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

During the 26-week program participants learned about the tourism industry, local communities, customer service, communications, a wide range of professional skills, and specific training related to the Geology of Joggins and the surrounding area. They also gained practical experience through a six-week work placement within the industry. Several have already gained employment while others will have the opportunity to apply for jobs at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs Interpretive Centre in the near future.

The Fundy Geological Museum (FGM) in Parrsboro is offering a number of Parks are for People interpretive walks throughout July and August at places like Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, Wasson Bluff, and the Joggins Fossil Cliffs.

At Cape Chignecto you can join an interpreter for an educational walk across the Cobequid-Chebucto Fault Zone. The folds and faults along the shore between Red Rocks and McGahey Brook are mute evidence of the birth of the super-continent, Pangea. This interpretive walk will take on Saturday, July 14 and again on Saturday, August 25th at 10 a.m. at the Red Rocks entry area in West Advocate.

The FGM will also conduct Spicer’s Cover Interpretive Walks on July 6, July 21 and August 31 at 9 a.m. Participants can walk through a coal age forest where they will see evidence of volcanic flows, as well as spectacular faults, igneous dykes, raised beaches, sea stacks, and sea ducks.

On Saturday, August 4 at 9:00 a.m. the museum will host a geological interpretive walk along the world famous Joggins Fossil Cliffs. The cliffs are home to some of the world’s oldest reptile fossils; discover ancient streams and swamps, fossilized trees, and tracks left by metre long insects. The FGM will also lead Dinosaur Site Interpretive Walks at Wasson Bluff Special Place near Parrsboro on Friday, July 13 at 2 p.m. and on Friday, August 3 at 10 a.m. Join an interpreter for a walk through Nova Scotia’s Jurassic past. Discover evidence of some of Canada’s oldest dinosaur fossils, rifting continents, lava flows, river channels, sand dunes and animal footprints from the dawn of the dinosaur.

All of the Fundy Geological Museum’s interpretive walks are moderate 3 to 6 hour hikes suitable for all ages. Participants should wear sturdy walking shoes, layered clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and bring cool drinks and snacks. For more information contact the museum at 1-866-856-DINO.

Parks are for People is a cooperative effort by government agencies, recreation clubs, community organizations, and interested individuals. It is coordinated by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by a number of individuals and organizations, including CREDA.

If you have any questions or want further information regarding CREDA call 667-3638. CREDA is Quality System registered to ISO 9001:2000.