British Columbia's world-class parks system has been enhanced by more than $10.5 million in capital and community legacy investments and free parking for the approximately 20 million annual visitors to ensure our provincial parks are more welcoming for families and visitors to B.C.

Want to inspire your true love with earth-friendly gift ideas? Do you already have a partridge in a pear tree or seven swans a swimming? This holiday season - try giving the gift of green:

A Vernon resident is the grand prize winner of a spa retreat and a spelunking adventure at one of B.C.'s top attractions in the Share Your B.C. parks online contest sponsored by British Columbia Magazine and BC Parks in celebration of 100 years of BC Parks.

With 43 sold so far, there's still time to sponsor a BC Parks' limited-edition bench as part of its 100 park benches for 100 years of provincial parks program.

A new apartment building that will provide 36 supportive homes for individuals at risk of homelessness is under construction in Nanaimo.

Although this appears to be a busy year for cougar-human conflict, in fact, it is not unusual when compared to other years.

Overall, at 93,465 reservations to date, camping reservations in provincial parks are up eight per cent over last year, and up an impressive 48 per cent for the week of Aug. 22-28, 2011.

Bring your family and sense of adventure to the climbing festival this Labour Day weekend Sept. 2-5, 2011, at Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park.