|
|
|
|
President’s Message
Here is what the Friends of Gatineau Park have done this year. 1 Undertook a complete revision of Le Ralley, which you know is a self-guided walk on the Sugarbush Trail that provides an educational quiz. The questions and answers have been re-done and we have added several. A new sign system was developed and installed for the sites where the visitor stops to respond to questions . It is a more flexible system that can be adapted to several themes.
2.Edited a text for a new Lauriault Trail Guide. This an historic trail where one finds many interesting things, of which the view over the Ottawa Valley is dazzling. The editing is nearly complete and we have engaged a designer.
3.Gave a talk about Friends to a group of volunteers of the Museum of Nature during their information day visiting the park.
4.Organized an evening presentation on the wolf that included a successful outing to howl with wolves. 5.Published a newsletter. 6. Participated in a flower festivity at the MacKenzie King Estate
7. Demonstrated bird song at a performance of NAC young peoples orchestra.
6.Published a newsletter.
7. Participated in a flower festivity at the MacKenzie King Estate
8. Represented the Friends at a round table discussion of the tourism policy at the MRC des Collines organized by the CLD des Collines de l’Outaouais.
New Workshop Series Planned for 2004
An interesting new workshop series is being planned for 2004. Some dates for the following have not been finalized. Check the website later for these. * Jan. 17 wolf presentation and snowshoe howl with Rhonda O’Grady, 7 p.m. at Visitor Centre. 33 Scott Rd., Chelsea. For more information and to make reservations call (819) 827 2020 * Jan. 24. What is our ecological Imprint?, asks Paul Chénard, biologist, whose response will take account of your daily life. The presentation in cludes an outing on the sugarbush trail. 9.00 a.m. at the Visitors Centre.
A Howling Success
L`Appel aux Loups Soirée held Saturday night, October 25 attracted28 partiicipants. They heard a presentation by Rhonda O`Grady. After practice howling ,they were taken by bus to a spot where Rhonda had seen wolf scat. Claudèle Morin, a participant, describes her impressions
What does this wild call say to us?
Mythic animal, the wolf embodies, for an uninitiated person like me, danger and fear. Following a talk on the life of the wolf we boarded a bus to visit where he may live. Then , on a silent, meditative walk that opened in me an inner peace, this group and I became closer..It was in this introspective state that I prepared myself to communicate with this animal that commands respect. The group stops. The silence that follows our stillness awakes in me this sense of an intense presence . I recognize taking part in our common will; this desire to participate in a memorable experience My sense of awareness mounts.. Nothing counts more for me than the present. I breathe the moist, fresh air. I sense the light mist cooling my face.
I hear the distant sound of vehicles ,the shuffling of shoes on the pebbled road. Then the human imitation of a wolf call fills the silence, a call that impresses as much by the silence that follows ,as by its power. The quiet is followed by a second call that gives place to a reply . First, the coyotes, then the wolves and a dog reply full-heartedly to this human call. Surprised and impressed for several seconds, I let these calls enter my entire being. They come together, while from different directions. The coyotes , which replied first, were the closest; the wolves in the middle; the dog behind. The coyotes impressed by the extent of their presence; it is a fading cry that touches all my senses. The call of the wolf follows, admirable and harmonious. This chorus of calls embodies for me the solidarity, the union of one species before a potential danger. Having been privileged by this gift of nature, I felt recognition and peace as the calls grew softer then ceased. Thanks for this beautiful exchange with nature for which I accord all my respect.
Claudèle Morin
* 15 The return of the great travellers. Come and hear and share the pleasure of birds with Josée Soucie. 9.00 a.m. at the Visitors Centre. Other workshops and talks are being planned , but not yet confirmed. Freshwater mussels, clams will be discussed by Paul Martel, a limnologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature. There will be other presentations or workshops on trees, wildflowers, trout. More news later on the website;. :www.rezoe.com/amicigatineau .
André Carrier, president John Cameron, vice president Graeme Roderick, treasurer. Robert H. Caldwell,secretary Elise Deschênes, directrice Marianne Parent, directrice Michel Légère, past prés.
9. Analysed and provided comment on the Gatineau Park Master Plan Review.
10. Obtained free access to meeting rooms at the University of Québec which we may use for workshops.
11.Engaged speakers and workshop leaders for 2004. (see Worshop story p.1) We have received confirmation that astronaut Steve MacLean will come to speak to us after his flight in space.
12.Undertook a review of the business plan in relation to our action plan.
13. Visited Les Amis du parc de la Mauricie, a non-profit organization involved in commercial activities, such as maintaining and renting the chalets, managing sales outlets for souvenirs, booklets.
14. Our collaboration with NCC and its managers has been good Michel Légère
The Black-capped Chickadee. It is the symbol of the Friends. A bird widely found. He accompanies us on the trail. A friend. Perhaps he has come to eat a seed from your hand. His song gives cheery life to the winter forest. He is a friend of Gatineau Park. Become one too. Join or renew your membership in Friends of Gatineau Park We are a non-profit organization devoted to education and appreciation of the park. Individual membership $15 family membership $25 Donations: ( )$25,( ) $50, ( ) $500 ( ) $1000 ( ) Other. A receipt will be sent.
Friends of Gatineau Park, C.P. 1817., Chelsea, QC, J9B 1A1 |
10/10/2008 |
