QUÉBEC, Que --
September 30, 2010 -- Starting now and until
October 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
every day, the public is invited to the
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA)
to view migrating Greater Snow Geese and
take part in a little science. As part of
the Gros Plan sur les Oies activity,
visitors will meet up with dedicated naturalist
guides at the Bois-Sent-Bon trail observation
platform and then attempt to spot the geese
marked with brightly coloured necklaces.
The work is part of a scientific monitoring
program for this globally unique population.
A favourite destination
of nature lovers, Environment Canada's Cap
Tourmente NWA is a great place to watch
the fall migration of thousands of birds.
Every October, migrating Greater Snow Geese
invade the foreshores of the St. Lawrence
in search of food for the journey ahead.
Many other bird species are also present
in the area, which is recognized as a wetland
of international importance.
What hardy birdwatcher
could resist a 20-km network of trails along
the mountain, across the plain or through
the marsh, with a splendid view of the St.
Lawrence? Or maybe your preference is for
fall activities and a quiet spot to take
in the rich biodiversity of the various
habitats? Try the Cap Tourmente BioKit,
a new tool for discovering the area's flora
and fauna. At each point of interest, activities
will be suggested: the choices you make
will determine the next steps in your adventure.
Using a GPS device, you can discover the
marvels of Cap Tourmente.
During this International
Year of Biodiversity, take advantage of
warm fall days to be outdoors, watch the
geese and see the fall colours at the Cap
Tourmente National Wildlife Area, an exceptional
site located less than 45 minutes from downtown
Québec City.
The Cap Tourmente NWA
is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until
October 31. Admission is $6.00 for adults,
$5.00 for students and free for children
under 12 accompanied by a parent. There
are telescopes on site, and binoculars and
GPS devices for rent as well as a historic
route to facilitate observations. For more
information on activities and services available,
call 418-827-4591, or e-mail the park at
cap.tourmente@ec.gc.ca.
The Cap Tourmente National
Wildlife Area is part of a network of 54
protected areas across Canada established
to protect critical habitats for wild species,
some of which are at risk.
For more information,
please contact:
Pascale Boulay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
