HUDSON, QC, Sept. 18, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Le Nichoir, a wild bird rehabilitation centre, is proud to announce its collaboration with other organizations in a project to enhance the Clarke Sydenham nature reserve. Thanks to a financial contribution of $16,000 from the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l'environnement, we will be able to design, produce and install interpretive panels about the reserve's habitats and avian wildlife.
The Clarke Sydenham nature reserve is a small conservation area of 19 hectares in Hudson, Québec. A diversity of habitats can be found within its boundaries, including fields cut yearly to conserve a prairie habitat. Different types of forests, temporary ponds and edge habitats are also present.
The reserve is rich in wildlife. For some years, the grey catbird and great crested flycatcher have used it for nesting, and it is the feeding grounds of chimney swifts and barn swallows, which can be seen in the sky doing their acrobatics. Some of Québec's most colorful birds can be found in the reserve, like the indigo bunting and the scarlet tanager. The reserve is also home to the southern flying squirrel which, like the chimney swift, is at risk of being designated as vulnerable in Québec.
"The reserve is a little-known gem. We hope that the panels will help visitors appreciate its uniqueness. We will use them in our education program, to tap the full potential of the reserve.'' says Jo-Annie Gagnon, education program coordinator for Le Nichoir.
The project also includes the development of an on-site education program for children that will use the reserve as a learning tool. This program, which will focus on how birds are adapted to their habitat and food, will be based on our existing program, currently delivered in schools. Groups of young visitors will follow the program, visit the centre and learn from exploring the reserve, all in a single visit.
About…
Le Nichoir is a rehabilitation centre caring for injured and orphaned wild birds. Its mission is to conserve wild birds as part of our natural heritage for future generations. The centre receives 1500 birds annually and answers more than 6000 phone calls and emails. Le Nichoir also provides education to promote wild bird conservation through phone calls, emails, kiosks or our education programs.
The Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l'environnement supports organizations taking practical steps to protect, restore and enhance natural areas and educate communities about local environmental issues. Between 2001 and 2013, the Foundation granted $11.8 million to 210 projects, carried out in all of Québec's administrative regions, with a total value of about $38 million.
SOURCE: Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l'environnement
Le Nichoir, Susan Wylie, Phone: 450 458-2809, Email: [email protected], Web site: www.lenichoir.org; Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l'environnement, Phone: 514 289-5384, Email: [email protected], Web site: www.hydroquebec.com/fondation-environnement/en.
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