Nature beckons at St. Paul forest

Departing from the L’Île-des-Sœurs elementary school, the group took a walk along the paths and culverts and observed ponds, plants and animals as they listened to the information recited by Nina Gould of the Heritage Protection Committee of Île-des-Sœurs.

Before starting, Mrs. Gould requested visitors not to step outside the paths so that the natural state of the forest could be preserved. She also asked that they don’t pick the flowers so they can be allowed to reproduce freely.

Cyclists are not allowed on dirt paths and on chipped wood areas but dogs on leashes are allowed. Visitors brought their binoculars, wore spring boots and wore clothes appropriate to the temperature. They circulated around and took time to admire nature.

“I tend to search for living things, but I saw the sky while observing the pond at the suggestion of Mrs. Gould”, said Élizabeth, a native of Columbia who lives in L'Île-des-Sœurs and is taking French language courses.

The forest visit was an invitation to participants to discover a verdant carpet of plants like the skunk cabbage resembling an army of soldiers, Mrs. Gould said. Participants also marvelled at the trees and flowers and caught a glimpse of the first buds of spring.

As they continued on their tour, the group spotted ducks, swallows, a large blue heron on lac des Battures, a snail coming out of its shell and lots of squirrels – too many for Mrs. Gould. They also saw a red-shouldered hawk and a splendid raptor seen against the sky. The group had the chance to admire the platform nest built by this bird. “I saw a racer”, Alexander added, “and even some foxes” said a member of the group. “There were also turtles and seven types of frogs, but there were no longer any salamanders”, Nina Gould explained.

For Mrs. Gould, the forest is full of hidden treasures. “I have been living in L'Île-des-Sœurs since 1970. I have heard toads singing. I knew then when I read in 2007 that the forest was a rich diversity of living species; right there I had a revelation”, said Mrs. Gould who shared her ecological knowledge and values throughout the guided tour. Visual and descriptive signs installed along the paths enable visitors to become more familiar with the natural wonders that make up the St. Paul forest. Visitors will discover beautiful things as they take walks this summer.