Habitat protection activities for priority species: Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Reserve, 2014 to 2015

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With support from the Government of Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP)(Prevention Stream), the Mont Saint-Hilaire Nature Centre (MSHNC) carried out a conservation project in 2014-2015 in the Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Reserve (MSHBR) to maintain habitat quality for a number of species considered to be at risk in Quebec, including shagbark hickory, slender wood sedge, and several bryophyte species.

Why this project is important

The MSHBR is located in the Montérégie region, near Montreal. It is home to a number of species of interest and provides habitat away from the pressures of urban development and agricultural activities. This biosphere reserve covers approximately 30,000 hectares and encompasses 1,100 hectares of protected areas, which forms an important buffer zone for conservation and recreational activities (leisure activities, research, ecotourism, etc.), and a transition zone where economic and social activities must reflect the goals of conservation.

What was done

The MSHNC has acquired a natural area in the foothills of Mont Saint-Hilaire. During the project, a provincial conservation plan for the slender wood sedge was developed, providing an opportunity to establish conservation priorities for the natural areas in the MSHBR. Outreach and awareness materials were employed to reduce the impact of human activities through the use of a variety of communication channels which included: a member newsletter, a media release, and a sign restricting motorized vehicle access. Inventories of corticolous bryophyte and shagbark hickory populations were also conducted to improve knowledge of these species.

Achievements of this project

• Acquired a 1.17-hectare natural area within the MSHBR.
• Initiated the process to designate 25 hectares of shagbark hickory habitat as an exceptional forest ecosystem in the MSHBR.
• Inventoried more than 200 shagbark hickory trees within the MSHBR.
• Developed a slender wood sedge conservation plan to determine what actions are required to reduce the threats to this species and ensure long-term protection.
• Installed signage restricting motorized vehicle access to the foothills.

Significance of this project

The MSHNC has taken concrete action to contribute to the long-term maintenance of the habitats of several species of interest that occur in the Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Reserve.

Habitat stewardship program - Prevention stream
Email: ec.pih-hsp.ec@canada.ca