Friends of Gatineau Park (FGP) have signed an agreement with the National Capital Commission to co-operate in support of interpretive programs for the park.

Activities will include special events, walks and talks, the creation and sale of publications, products and interpretive guides and other revenue generating activities.

The NCC has provided financial assistance for this start-up year. The FGP aims to be self sufficient by year four of operations.

Noha Fuad Appointed FGP Co-ordinator

Claude Cousineau, acting president, is pleased to announce the appointment of Noha Fuad as co-ordinator .

Noha’s role is to work with the board and committee chairpersons in the planning and execution of FGP programs.

This is a part-time position and Noha is presently available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the newly established FGP office. It is located in the Gatineau Park Visitor Center at 33 Scott Road in Chelsea.

Noha would be pleased to meet with you during these office hours, if you could give her a call beforehand. The office number is 827 3113. Messages can be left at any time.

The new co-ordinator comes to this job with considerable experience in education and volunteer work. She is well known in Chelsea, where she co-founded Action Chelsea for the Respect of the Environment

COMING EVENTS

Wildflowers In Bloom Waiting For You

During the month of May, on Sunday afternoons, NCC naturalist-interpreters will help you discover the world of wild flowers during one hour walks.

These walks will follow the Sugarbush trail located beside the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre.

English tours begin at 1 p.m; French at 2.30 p.m. In the event of rain the walk may be shortened, or replaced by a slide show inside the centre.

National Parks Day! Take a Hike Saturday, July 21

Saturday, July 21, is Canada’s Parks Day.

Events being considered are a repeat of the hike/quiz on Sugarbush Trail; face-painting for kids ( young and old); nature walks, learning about rock formations; photography.

If you can help, please call Noha and attend a meeting of volunteers at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, at the Park Visitor Centre.

Board Changes

Two board members resigned their posts recently.

Cindy Boucher announced her resignation at a board meeting on April 17.

Elected president following the Annual General Meeting last fall, Cindy expressed regret for leaving her post so soon. She has accepted a new, highly demanding professional position and feels she will not have time to do justice to the job as president of FGP.

At the board’s request ,Claude Cousineau agreed to serve as president until a new board is elected at the AGM in the Fall.

Julie Chagnon, a member of the board since 1999 and a major organizer of Friends activities, has resigned because she is expecting her first child.

A trained forester Julie worked with park manager François Leduc to develop a quiz/hike on the Sugarbush Trail that was popular during last year’s celebration of National Parks Day .

Jo Ann Gagnon, board secretary, had to relinquish her duties last Fall because of illness. She remains on the oard and will also help lead the recruitment of volunteers.

Nancy Ruddell, director, assumed the secretarial responsibilities when Jo Ann fell ill. She has also been active in developing publication guidelines for FGP.

Nancy has considerable in experience in education and museum work. She has written and produced publications in these fields as well as managing volunteers and special events.

Tell us About your talents

You are great at organizing events. You love writing little features, news. You’ve known the park since forever and would really like to learn how to lead an interpretive walk. There are other opportunities ; see form below (please print and mail). And if you haven’t yet renewed, we hope you please do so soon. Your continued support is most important Check your address label for the expiry date.

I want to renew, or update my 2001 membership in Friends of Gatineau Park.

Date:_________

Name:_______________________
Address:______________________
____________________________
postal code__________________
telephone:(h)___________________
(b)__________________
e-mail____________________

Individual membership______$6

Donation________________

I would like to volunteer and these are the activities that interest me : (check)
( ) organizing special events
( ) publicity
( ) writing/editing
( ) translation
( ) computers, website
( ) fund raising
( ) leading nature walks
( ) office work
( ) finance

My special skills are:

Cheques payable to: Friends of Gatineau Park
P.O. Box 1817
Chelsea , Québec
J9B 1A1