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.
