By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Nature Cantons-de-l’Est, in collaboration with the City of Sherbrooke and the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of the Ascot-Lennox Woodland (LabVal), will host a public launch of the Ascot-Lennox Woodland Conservation Project on Oct. 27. The event, aimed at promoting community engagement and awareness, will take place at the Amédée-Beaudoin Community Centre in Lennoxville from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stéphane Tanguay, General Director of Nature Cantons-de-l’Est, explained in a recent interview the significance of the project, emphasizing that it represents a long-term commitment to conserving one of Sherbrooke’s most valuable natural areas. “This is a privately owned area,” Tanguay noted. “Our approach is to build trust with property owners and respect their willingness to participate. The conservation work will be done at their pace and according to their interests.”
According to a related release, the Ascot-Lennox Woodland, spanning approximately 280 hectares, is the largest green space within Sherbrooke’s urban boundary. It is home to diverse wildlife, plant species, and vital wetlands and waterways. “This woodland plays a critical role in providing ecological services like flood control, carbon sequestration, and air purification,” Tanguay added.
The Oct. 27 event will include formal presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. In between, visitors can explore themed tables discussing key project components such as protection, restoration, enhancement, and governance. Tanguay highlighted the importance of engaging the local community, particularly the residents of Ascot and Lennoxville, noting, “This is an opportunity for people to get involved, whether through volunteering for clean-up activities, learning about the woodland’s ecological importance, or even supporting the project financially.”
