Boucher Forest Month launched in the forest

 

Boucher Forest Month was launched August 25 with the help of Hull-Aylmer MP Greg Fergus, Pontiac MNA and honourary president of the Boucher Forest, André Fortin, Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin, four municipal councillors as well as candidates in the 2017 municipal election.

 

Boucher Forest Month has been organized to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Boucher Forest Foundation. Throughout the month of September, a variety of programming has been organized to help the general public to explore the forest. “Over the last ten years, it has mostly been the impassioned volunteers who have been devoted to the protection of the forest and to the creation of the Boucher Forest Park,” explained Marianne Strauss,” general manager of the foundation. “So in 2017, we decided to really celebrate the tenth anniversary, it is a celebration that we share with everyone from Gatineau.”

Mayor Pedneaud-Jobin said: “The Boucher Forest is an exceptional benefit to Gatineau. I salute and thank the volunteers who have invested thousands of hours over the last ten years to protect and improve this impressive site. I am proud of the agreement negotiated between Gatineau and the foundation, that allows for consolidating it and making it better known. I invite everyone in Gatineau to enjoy the activities planned for Boucher Forest Month, and come visit it!”

Among the activities, there are: September 9: Ciné-conférence at Cinéma Aylmer with a short film called “La forêt Boucher : une forêt dans la ville» by Patrick Haag and, for the conference portion,  Suzanne Hardy will discuss the importance of urban trees.

September 16:  Boucher Forest Festival which is an invitation for families for a day of activities, including a barbecue, inflatable structures and a hiking tour as well as an information kiosk.

September 24:  Clean-up activities organized by the Aylmer Scouts #1.

Overall, some 38 walks are offered throughout the month, including some night walks with folklore talks and walks hosted by an Anishinaabe storyteller.

Activities are free and open to all. For information and registration:  www.fondationforetboucher.ca/mois    
(LR)