The Friends of Gatineau Park

Conference with Dr. Stephen Woodley and Stephan Moresoli. In December 2022, the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a new Global Biodiversity Framework aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss. One of the 23 targets in this framework calls for conserving at least 30% of the planet through protected areas and other effective and equitable area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Canada, Québec, and Chelsea have officially committed to this goal! For the first time in the history of the Convention, the term “effective” was used in the decision regarding protected areas. This presentation will explore what effectiveness means for both protected areas and OECMs, and what we know about the state of effectiveness within the global network of protected areas.

saturday november 8, 10 am to 2 pm
​Presentations in the Lynx room of Gatineau Park Visitor Centre - Old Chelsea
There is no charge for this public program - donations are appreciated
Alicia Robert, National Capital commission - Management strategy for invasive species
Catherine Dumouchel, Friends of Gatineau Park - Citizen science
Roya Shabnavard, Carleton University - Visitor study on impact of road closures
Stephanie Elfriede, University of Ottawa - How landscape (especially urbanization) affects snakes
Jennifer Anderson, Friends of Gatineau Park - History of the Carbide Willson Ruins
Note that some presentations will be in french and some in english

Please let us know if you are coming by sending an email to info@amisduparcdelagatineau.com so we know how many people to expect.

Friday october 24 - 19:00
Discover the role of fire in shaping healthy forests, with insights from expert Nick Lopoukhine, retired Parks Canada fire ecologist and longtime Gatineau Park researcher

The basics of fire – what it is, and how it behaves
Fire regimes – natural patterns of occurrence and intensity
Vegetation responses – how different plants and ecosystems adapt or recover after fire
Principles of fire management – balancing ecological benefits with safety and protection
The presentation will conclude with a discussion of Gatineau Park, exploring how these principles apply to our region and to the Conservation Plan currently in preparation.
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The talk will be in English, with questions welcome in French or English

Immerse yourself in nature with a Shinrin Yoku experience. During this slow, sensory walk in a small group, you’ll awaken your senses, relax, and find mental clarity. The experience concludes with tea, allowing for quiet reflection or sharing. Suitable for all levels. Sunday October 5th, 9 AM. Registration required.

When the sun goes down, a whole body of life becomes active in the forest! Come learn about the mysterious but fascinating “creatures of the night”: fireflies, moths, coyotes, bats, and flying squirrels, amongst others. Friday, June 20th 7:30 PM. 10 years old and over

This workshop is organized by the Friends of Gatineau Park with the expert help of the Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue organization
We will have a theory session indoors followed by some practice on trails near the visitor centre. 12 and older. Saturday May 24, from 10 to 12 am.

Learn more about the fascinating world of astronomy. A presentation will guide you through the basics of stars, planets, and our own moon. Then, you will head outside, where—using telescopes and binoculars—you will take a closer look at the night sky. 10 and older. Saturday May 10, 7:30 PM.

Join the Friends of Gatineau Park every Friday evening, starting January 17th, at 7 p.m. for a snowshoe hike at dusk. Accompanied by a guide-interpreter, you will discover the fascinating secrets of how the park's wildlife and plant life adapt to winter.