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FT-9: An Old-Growth Northern Hardwood
Forest–Hiking/Walking Field Trip on Mont St. Hilaire, Québec
Departs Sunday, August
7 at 9 AM from the Viger Bus Depot, Level 1, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Returns Sunday, August
7 at 6 PM to the Viger Bus Depot, Level 1, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Fee: $50 US Dollars per person –
Includes bus
transportation, pre-trip continental breakfast, sack lunch, beverages, and
handouts.
Minimum: 20
Maximum: 45
Organizers:
Martin Lechowicz,
David Greene (greene@alcor,concordia.ca)
Description: Mont St. Hilaire rises abruptly above the floor of the St.
Lawrence River Valley just southeast of Montréal as a rugged complex of seven
low peaks clothed in old-growth forests surrounding a small lake. The area,
protected as the Gault Nature Reserve, is the largest remaining remnant of
primeval forest in the region. Although the reserve has been subject to very
little human disturbance, it is frequently hit by glaze ice storms, including
the unusually intense storm of January 1998. The natural history of the site and
in particular its forest ecology is well studied and reported in more than 550
publications. This excursion will be an open-ended opportunity for participants
to enjoy the 25 km trail system and form their own impressions of this forest
ecosystem. Organizers will provide an excursion guide of published and
unpublished information, including detailed maps of forest cover, and
knowledgeable individuals will accompany groups on the trails. Visit www.mcgill.ca/gault/
to learn more about the reserve and the research that is conducted there.
Equipment and Attire: The trip involves walking along trails, including
ascents of up to 300 meters. Sturdy shoes, a daypack to carry lunch and
beverages, and rain gear are recommended.
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