PAGE 18, WEDNE.STAV, AUGUSI 15, 1984, WHITBY FREE PRESS CLOCA offers month -of nature programs The Central Lake On- tario Conservation Authorlty's summner schedule of walks and evenlng programs will be endlng on the Labor Day weekend, but there la stili Urne to par- ticipate in many in- teresting events. Guided nature walks, of between one and two hours duration, will be held every Sunday af- ternoon at 1 p.m. and every Thursday eveming at 6:30 p.m. Participan- ts are asked to meet at the C.L.O.C.A. office (100 Whlting Ave., Oshawa) from which they willtravel to one of C.L.O.C.A.'s twelve conservation. areas. Those who wlsh to meet the group at the conser- vation area are asked to cail 579-0411 to make prior arrangements. Walks go rain or shine, 50 dress ap- propriately. Binoculars, cameras, field guides and bug repellants may mncrease enjoyment of the program but are not essential. Evening programs, consisting of a slde show and films on a con- servation theme, will be held every Saturday and Tuesday night at 9 p.m. at the Heber Down Con- servation Area cam- psite. The campsite is located on Coronation Rd., south of Hwy. 7 in Whitby. Watch for signs. Admission is free. The following is the schedule '.f upcoming events: [ l', ý "Edible Wild Plants" - a walk through Harmony Valley Conservation Area designed to show the bounty of natural foods in our fields and forests. Aug. 18 - Eveming programs: "Film Night"p - some of our most popular films will be screened. Aug. 19 -Nature walk: "LUfe Below the Sur- face" - examine the various forms of life in and around the ponds of Enniskillen Conser- vation Area. Aug. 21 - Evening program: "Nature's Ar- twork" - the artistic wonders of everyday things such as flowers or birds sometimes pass unnoticed, but not by ar- tists such as -Robert Bateman and Michael Dumas. Examples of their work are featured in a couple of films. Aug. 23 - Nature wallc: "Summer's Last Blossoms" - there are still wfldflowers in bloom, even this late in the season and many can be seen at Purple Woods Conservation Area. Aug. 25 - Evening program: "From Pond to Field" - Ponds and marehes have life cycles just like living orgamisms. Eventually they f111 in and die. Aug. 26 - Nature walk: "Hiking at Long Sault Conservation Area" - Cross-country ski trails don't have to go unused in summer. Aug. '28 - Evening program: "Plants and Us" - Man could not exlst wlthout plants. They are needed for food, lumber, chemicals and medicines. Aug. 30 - Nature walk: "Danger: Poisonous Plants" - some of those temptlng bernies and wild greens are actually inedible or even poisonous and many of themn can be found at Cedar Valley Conser- vation Area. Sept. 1 - Evening program: "Fish and Wildilife Management" - this evening's films and sldes will explore some of the ways man has assisted wildlife. For more information on any of these programs, cal] C.L.O.C.A. at 579-0411. Report from Queen's Park By THE HON. GEORGE ASHE, MPP (PC - Durham West) Minister of Government Services Ontario A hot surnmer day in Ontario always bringa out our "1barbequlng instincts"t, as we sneak into the backyard armed wlth only a spatula. Although a spatula may protect you from an over charred burger, it is no defence agalnst an unsafe propane barbeque. >Propane barbeques can be convenient, safe, and easy to use, provlded they are kept in good condition and caution is taken. However, one small leak ini a fuel lime, simultaneous wlth a spark or flame, and more than your dinner could go up i flames. Wlth a hope that you'11 "ienjoy your meal", 1 would like to paso on a "«plea for your uafety"p, as propane accidents remai"'continued concern i Ontario. The fuels safety -branch of the Ontario Minlstry of Cows9lfer and Commercial Relations, offers four safety tips when handllng propane bar- beques: -Test your barbeque for leaks at the beginnlng of every season. First, connect the cylinder to the barbeque, en- swring that the rubber seal *a in n good condition. Neyer test for leaka with a flame; a soap and water solution brushed over al 0f the limes and connec- tions wlll produce bubbles if a leak exists. -Check the manufacturing date of the cylinder, which May ho found on the raised coilar protectig the cylinder valve. If the cylinder was manufac- tured more than 10 years ago, it la due for reinspec- tion. In Ontario, it is illegal* to f111 cylinders that are damnaged or require an inspection. An Inspection is hIexpensive ($15 or $25) which includes the replacement 0f the pressure release valve and je good for another 10 years. -When it's time for a refill, do not leave the cylin- der sitting in your car for any length of time. Cylin- ders should ho transported iside the passenger compartment, secured in the upright position wlth- windows open. If it must ho carrled i the trunk, the trunk lld should ho left open te preventheat buildup. -A final note of caution: Neyer bring a cylinder,. indoors. Even a slow leak can produceenough gas to-cause a major explosion.. Make sure that children are aware of the dangers involved with a propane cylinder - lt's not something to play with. A cylinder valve plug prevents accidental release 0f gas when the cylin- der is hot in use, and can ho purchased at many propane dealers.. For further information, a f ree brochure entitled, Living Safely with Propane, can ho picked up at mny riding office, at 37 Station Plaza, in Ajax. I can only hope, that awareness and caution will make propane accidents obsolete. Now that you've worked Up an appetite, and you're sure that the barbeque la safe, I know that you'll enjoy your meal - or at least live to tel of it!1