The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is inviting the public to the official opening of Bear Creek Nature Park on Macaulay Road in Black Creek. The ceremony for the CVRD’s newest nature park will take place Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at noon.

“The CVRD is pleased to be part of this endeavor,” said Edwin Grieve CVRD’s board chair. “The Bear Creek nature park provides many beneficial recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding; in addition, the park provides protection of the Oyster River estuary as well, it supports sustainability in terms of the operation of the Oyster River fish hatchery.”

The 161-acre nature park was acquired late last year in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada and was made possible, in part, from an ecological gift made by the previous owner under the Government of Canada’s ecological gift program. The park features a flood plain wetland along the Oyster River, a salmon hatchery operated by Oyster River Enhancement Society (ORES) and an upland second growth forest with walking and equestrian trails.

A commemorative plaque recognizing the partnership between the CVRD, Government of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada will be unveiled at the opening ceremonies followed by light refreshments. Prior to the ceremonies the public is invited to take part in tours of the hatchery and nature walks starting at 9:30 a.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. following the plaque unveiling.