The city is launching a new initiative to get people out into parks.
‘Otis the Owl’ will guide residents on a ‘Nature Knowledge Quest’ as they explore Nanaimo’s incredible parks and trails.
The quest began Wednesday and will run until Aug. 24.
For those wanting to play along, watch for weekly questions posted to the city’s Facebook site and at recreation facilities. All of the answers can be found by visiting city parks and reading the interpretive signage.
Weekly questions will be posted at recreation facilities and online on Wednesdays. Entries will be drawn the following Tuesday at 3 p.m. and the winner will be notified. On Facebook, the first correct answer will be selected.
The quest mascot, ‘Otis’, is a barred owl, a species commonly found on southern Vancouver Island. They prefer mixed woodland habitats with water close by, which many of the city parks offer. The name refers to the vertical barring on the birds’ lower breast.
For more information about this and other parks programs, please contact recreation coordinator Eileen Bossons at 250-756-5203.