Photo by William Crooks
Key contributors and officials gathered at the launch of the new university nature reserve at Mont-Bellevue, celebrating years of collaboration and commitment to environmental conservation, research, and public access.
Mont-Bellevue Park becomes a Sherbrooke University nature reserve
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The University of Sherbrooke officially launched its new “Réserve naturelle universitaire du Parc-du-Mont-Bellevue” on Oct. 8. This event marked the culmination of seven years of collaboration between the university, the City of Sherbrooke, and the Regroupement du Parc du Mont-Bellevue (RPMB). The launch celebrated the creation of a nature reserve within the popular urban park, designed to protect its biodiversity while continuing to serve as a site for research, teaching, and public recreation.
The newly designated reserve covers 125 hectares of university-owned land that is part of the larger Parc du Mont-Bellevue, a 200-hectare park located in the heart of Sherbrooke. This area will be preserved under the auspices of Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks, ensuring the long-term protection of its ecosystems.
University Rector Pierre Cossette, Deputy Rector Denyse Rémillard, and Sherbrooke Mayor Évelyne Beaudin were among those who spoke at the event on campus, which highlighted both the ecological importance of the site and its role in the academic life of the university. The event included a press conference, speeches, and an outdoor photo session featuring all participants involved in the project.
In his opening remarks, Cossette praised the project as a significant step for the university, noting its importance not only for environmental conservation but also for the university’s educational and research missions. “This reserve represents a long-term commitment,” Cossette said. “We are ensuring the protection of a valuable ecosystem while continuing to use this space for teaching and research.”
Rémillard emphasized the ecological value of the park, noting that the creation of the reserve had been one of the university’s strategic priorities since 2018. She explained that the park is home to over 400 plant species and numerous animal species, including rare and endangered ones like the “rainette crucifère” and “salamandres des ruisseaux”. The presence of such biodiversity, particularly in an urban environment, makes this initiative especially meaningful. “The reserve is an outdoor ecosystem-school, offering unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning,” Rémillard stated.
According to a same day press release, the park’s ecosystems have been under pressure for years due to human activity, including unauthorized trails and nearby residential development. Recognizing the need to protect these ecosystems, the University of Sherbrooke and the City of Sherbrooke initiated the project in 2017 to secure an official nature reserve status. This process involved extensive consultation with local stakeholders, including the RPMB, environmental specialists, and recreational users of the park.
Patrice Cordeau, the university’s Vice-Rector for Sustainable Development, elaborated on the collaborative process that led to the reserve’s creation. “The creation of the Alliance, a consultation table bringing together all the park’s users, was key to the success of this project,” he said. The Alliance allowed various stakeholders to express their concerns and ideas, ensuring the reserve would balance the need for protection with ongoing public access and use.
Beaudin echoed this sentiment in her speech, emphasizing the importance of providing Sherbrooke residents with access to nature. She highlighted the city’s goal to protect 45 per cent of its territory as natural spaces, stating that the new reserve aligns with Sherbrooke’s broader environmental objectives. “This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” she said. “We are preserving a natural treasure in the heart of our city, and this reserve will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy it.”
The designation of the Parc du Mont-Bellevue as a nature reserve means that no further development will take place within the park, and existing trails will be re-evaluated to minimize their environmental impact. Over the past few years, illegal or environmentally damaging trails have been either closed or rehabilitated to reduce erosion and protect wetlands. A new ecological code of conduct has also been established to guide park users in respecting the fragile environment.
In addition to its role in conservation, the reserve will continue to be a vital space for academic research. The university has implemented a Program for Monitoring Ecological Integrity (PSIÉ) in the park, which tracks the health of the ecosystem using 18 ecological indicators. These efforts have already shown positive results in maintaining the integrity of the park’s ecosystems. According to Cordeau, “We are seeing improvements in the park’s ecological health as a result of our efforts to monitor and protect it.”
The event concluded with the presentation of the first official “ambassador” certificates for the reserve. Mayor Beaudin and key project contributors were recognized for their roles in making the initiative a reality. Cossette reflected on the significance of the reserve’s creation, calling it a historic moment for both the university and the city. “We are proud to be taking a leading role in environmental conservation while providing our students with a unique learning environment,” he said.