BIODIVERSITY OF THE BOUCHER FOREST
A study carried out by the firm Aménatech (2010) found that the Boucher Forest was of significant ecological value and that the Forest was the last large refuge for wildlife in the Aylmer sector. The Boucher Forest in fact provides the equivalent of $6,000,000 in environmental goods and services to the population. Although the Boucher Forest is semi-urban, the study revealed that its area (over 700 acres) and its proximity to Gatiineau Park (3.5 km to the north) allowed for the preservation of a great deal of bi-diversity.
During the bioblitz, organized by the Foundation in June 2010, scientists inventoried over 300 animal and plant species in a 24 hour period. To access the complete results, please click here: results of 2010 bioblitz.
Plant varieties
The study by Aménatech also concluded that the Boucher Forest contained a wide variety of forest stands. Among the 25 species of indigenous trees found in the Forest, there are
A mixed forest of sugar maple,
A cedar grove,
A mature pine forest,
A black ash forest,
The largest grouping of blackened walnut trees in the National Capital Region.
The dominant stand of trees consists of mature broad-leafed maples which are between 30 and 120 years old. Beyond this stand of trees Boucher Forest is very heterogeneous with more than three types of environment other than forest (herbaceous, treed fallow land, treed marshes and water saturated areas similar to peat bogs (with dendritical network).
Animal species
Several species of mammals make their home in the Boucher Forest including:
Black bear,
White-tailed deer,
Pekan,
Extremely rare small flying squirrel.
From 80 to 100 species of migratory birds depend on the habitat of the forest, which is the nesting site for 50 resident species.
Several species of amphibians and reptiles breed in swamps of the Boucher Forest.
Vulnerable Species
In 2007 the ecological description study carried out by Fondex Shermont (2007) revealed that the Boucher Forest sheltered 4 species with particular status including 3 plant and 1 wildlife type. Among the vulnerable floral species are:
Northern maidenhair
American ginseng
Ostrich fern
In addition, the milk snake present in the Boucher Forest, is liable to be designated as a vulnerable or threatened species.
