Leave Chelsea, Better than We Found It: Preserving and Enhancing Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park: A Natural Oasis

Gatineau Park is more than just a scenic playground; it is the largest green space in the National Capital Region, covering 7.7% of its total area. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to over a hundred species of plants and animals at risk, contributing significantly to air quality, water filtration, carbon storage, and climate regulation. It's no wonder that 90% of visitors come from local communities, as the park's proximity to the city makes it easily accessible and beloved by all.

Conservation Priorities

To ensure the protection of Gatineau Park's fragile natural resources, the Gatineau Park Ecosystem Conservation Plan identifies six key priorities:

1. Protecting Biodiversity
2. Protecting Species at Risk
3. Limiting Habitat Fragmentation
4. Protecting Ecological Continuity Zones
5. Limiting Pressure from Human Activities
6. Facilitating Ecosystem Management based on Ecological Integrity

The latest Status Report on Gatineau Park Ecosystems tells us that the overall condition of the park is "good," which is a testament to our collective efforts in conservation.

The Land and Waters of Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park's breathtaking landscape is part of the Canadian Shield, a Precambrian rock mass formed over a billion years ago through tectonic shifting and glaciers. The rolling hills, flatlands, bare rock, and steep escarpments we see today were shaped by these ancient geological processes. The Eardley Escarpment serves as a striking boundary between the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands.

Within the park, you'll find over 50 lakes, including the renowned Pink Lake, one of only 58 known meromictic lakes in North America. The park's waters are complemented by numerous streams, rivers, and wetland areas, adding to its ecological diversity.

Valued Ecosystems and Habitats

Gatineau Park is home to five valued ecosystems and two habitats of great ecological importance:

Valued Ecosystems:

• La Pêche Lake
• Eardley Plateau
• Eardley Escarpment
• Pink Lake
• Three-lake chain: Philippe, Harrington (Lac Mousseau), and Meech lakes

Valued Habitats:

• Folly Bog
• Lac des Fées

These precious areas house many of the park's plant and animal species at risk, making them vital to the park's ecological health.

Rich Wildlife and Plants

The park teems with wildlife, including thousands of invertebrates, around 10 species of reptiles, 15 species of amphibians, over 50 mammal species (think white-tailed deer, beavers, black bears, and fishers), and an impressive 230 bird species.

Gatineau Park is also a haven for unique plant species, some of which can't be found anywhere else in Quebec. With approximately 1,000 vascular plant species and 50 tree species, the park's flora adds to its natural splendour.

Protecting Species at Ris

As champions of conservation, we are committed to protecting around 90 plant and 60 animal species in the park that are at risk in Quebec and/or Canada. This includes the iconic Quebec wild leek population, the elusive least bittern, part of Quebec's only known Blanding turtle population, and a rare juniper hairstreak butterfly population.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Preserving Gatineau Park for future generations is a collective responsibility, and you can play a vital role:

1. Be a Responsible User: Stay on official trails and respect outdoor ethics to protect fragile habitats.
2. Choose Sustainable Transportation: Opt for sustainable options like public transit, free shuttles, cycling, or carpooling to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.
3. Volunteer and Engage: Join us as a volunteer or participate in Citizen Science projects to contribute to conservation efforts.
4. Participate in Public Consultations: Share your voice and support measures that protect the park's environment.

Let's unite and work hand in hand to protect Gatineau Park, where nature and people strike a delicate and sustainable balance. Together, we will make Chelsea, Quebec, and Gatineau Park a model of preservation and love for the environment for generations to come.