| Conservation
of 7000 hectares |
Grande-Île
Grande-Île is a site of considerable ecological
value situated in the Lac Saint-Pierre archipelago. Much of
the island is already protected through its status as a wildlife
reserve. Grande-Île has one of the largest heron colonies in
North America. According to a 1992 survey, there were 1177 Great
Blue Heron nests and 141 Black-crowned Night-Heron nests there.
Other avian species, such as waterfowl, nest on this island
as well.
The site also features a varied flora. Especially noteworthy
are the mature silver maple stands which are inundated annually
during spring flooding along the river. There are also some
small meadows of reed canary-grass, along with a marsh zone,
which support a number of plant species.
| An
area of 14 hectares acquired by the Nature Conservancy
of Canada has consolidated the protection afforded to this
unique site and the many species it contains. |
Aerial view towards
west of Grande-Île
(foreground). Photo: Mark Tomalty, NCC
|
|
