Friends of Gatineau Park

On January 20, Snowshoe under the Stars was lead by Jack Ricou and Catherine Dumouchel with the assistance of avid outdoorsman Allan Richens. Catherine and Jack’s career backgrounds are Ecology Interpretation & Conservation. They are the developers of the subject matter of this winter walk – Creatures of the night. They are also the developers of the Friends’ program: What to Do if You’re Lost in the Woods.

Twenty individuals or family members participated in the hour and a half snowshoe outing over hilly terrain near the Park Visitor Centre. Following this low-to-moderate exertion outing, participants enjoyed conversations about the wonders of the Park over hot chocolate and cookies in a fire-stove heated Sugar Shack near the parking lot of the Visitor Centre. Participants recalled their excitement over this opportunity to enjoy the forest on a crisp evening. 

Francois Leduc, has returned to the Gatineau Park management team from the  headquarters of the National Capital Commision.  In his new position, he can no longer act as our Volunteer Co-ordinator although he will continue to be in close contact with us.  We thank him for his two year contribution to the Friends, as a volunteer himself.

Mario Simard, who previously had been in that role from mid-2007 to late 2009, will replace him.

Volunteers are central to the achievement of our Mission.  François and Mario report enjoy matching interest of our dedicated volunteers with ongoing or one time opportunities.  Volunteers have reported that being involved has increased their enjoyment of and identification with the Park.  Others report that being involved broadened their knowledge of nature and/or heritage. They encourage others to join them.  You can do so by sending us an email at friendsgatineaupark@myexcel.ca   A special thanks to François and Mario.

Organized by the Nordik Spa-Nature and hosted by the Friends of Gatineau Park, here is an activity that will definitely interest you. Discover the Gatineau Park while snowshoeing at night. Meet at the Gatineau Park visitor centre at 6 pm. Every Tuesday starting January 10th until March 6th, 2012.

Cost $45.00 plus taxes including snowshoes and access to nordic baths.

Reservations required at 819-827-1111 or at www.lenordik.com.

More information – http://www.lenordik.com/en/events/.

Join the Friends of Gatineau Park volunteers for this great evening activity. As you snowshoe under the crisp night sky, you’ll discover how animals and plants face the many challenges of winter survival. Reservation required. Bilingual activity. Adults $15 (Friends of Gatineau Park members: $12), seniors and students $12 (members $10), children $5. Snowshoes included.

Evenings, Friday January 20^th, February 3^rd and February 17^th,, 2012

Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, 33 Scott Rd., Chelsea QC

RESERVATIONS:

819-827-2020; Toll-free: 1-800-465-1867

613-239-5090 (TTY); Toll-free: 1-866-661-3530 (ATS)

Special invitation – Christmas Trees at Canadian Museum of Civilization

The Friends of Gatineau Park are pleased to invite you to admire the special tree that we have decorated as part of the Canadian Museum of Civilization’s annual Christmas Tree Decorating Challenge, and to vote for our tree.

The Friends of Gatineau Park are one of the local community groups invited to decorate a tree as part of a friendly competition to celebrate the festive season and to Continue reading →

Unless rescheduled, the Board of Directors meets from 7:00 to 9:00 pm the fourth Thursday of each month at the Visitors Centre. Check our e-calendar to confirm there has not been a change.

At the October 22 Volunteer Recognition and Annual  General  Meeting,  Friends’ interpreter Michelle Hegge spoke of the Summer 2011 Interpretive Programs  offered to Lac Philippe campers and visitors, in both French and English.  On a regular basis,  Conservation officer Marc Rousseau  offered his ever popular talk
on Gatineau Park’s black bear and local Search and Rescue team members offer well attended  Hug- a-Tree program which
teaches people of all ages what to do when lost in the woods.  As well, campers enthusiastically joined in our interactive (and very fun!) amphibian programs, learn about birds, beavers, or caves.  They tested  their knowledge at the Fact or Fiction game show , listened to nature legends and stories at campfires, and took part in a genuine scientific study of Parent Stream in the Adopt- a- River
program.  There was also a program on how to prepare for a successful outing in nature – along the way learning some cool
facts about Gatineau Park’s natural heritage.  In the International Year celebrating Our Forests, campers learned about the traditional (aboriginal) uses of our regions forests.

For the past seven years,  the Friends of Gatineau Park has offered research bursaries to young researchers interested in doing some research project in the Gatineau Park.  The funds for the bursaries come from the sell of raffle tickets.  The prizes of the raffle are donated by regional sponsors who  supports outdoor activities such as kayaking, camping and biking. Our sponsors this year are Paddle shack, Camp de base and Vélo des ronds points.  Tickets are still available either through the Friends of Gatineau Park or at the Visitor Center in Chelsea where you can see the prizes for this year. The draw will occur the day of the Forum, November 19.
Encourage young researchers and support the Friends of Gatineau Park by participating in the raffle.  If intested in purchasing 9 or more tickets, contact Graeme and he will make arrangements for you to do.  Good luck
to all.

The seventh annual research forum of the Friends of Gatineau Park is presented in collaboration with the National Capital Commission.  This year the forum, being held on November 19, is greeting 7  presenters: Isabelle Lavoie and Jean Faubert, the two recipients of a Cameron Purenne bursary granted by the Friends, Renée Bellehumeur and Catherine Verreault from the NCC Gatuneau Park) , Christopher Czerwinski and Murray Richardson from Carleton University, and Sofia Perin of University of Ottawa.

Participate with the researchers in the luncheon break.

Register by calling 819 827-2020 option 3.   Fee:  good-will offering in support of research

Saturday 9:30 am – 3:00 Lynx Room – Visitors Centre,  33 Scott Rd, Chelsea

Captivating presentations
delivered – French, English or bilingually.

Questions and answers are in either official language.

Topics include:

• Watersheds – M. Richardson, Carleton U.
• Water quality – I. Lavoie INRS
• Blue-green Algae – S. Perrin-U of Ottawa
• Forest changes – C. Czerwinski, Carleton U
• Ecological corridors – C. Verreault, Gatineau Park
• Bryophytes – J. Faubert, Flora Quebeca
• Visitors of the park – R. Bellehumeur, Gatineau Park

Lunch is included and will
feature discussions with researchers

Cost: Donation to cover meal & to support of Research
Information and Registration: 819 827-2020 option 3