Boucher Forest Foundation launches fundraising campaign to build trails and boardwalks

Sophie Demers

 

Boucher Forest Foundation launched a campaign to raise money to build a network of trails. The $1,750,000 fundraising goal will finance the preservation of the natural character of Boucher Forest and prioritise its ecological integrity. The foundation will also use the funds to create a unifying community-based project and make the Boucher Forest an accessible, eco-responsible urban outdoor destination in Gatineau.
More specifically, the first priority will use $1,055,000 of the funds to build over five miles of trails and boardwalks, install outdoor furniture and signs, create a mountain bike trail and install a shelter in the forest for activities and a welcome cottage.
The foundation’s second priority is Park Accessibility, which will use $385,000 of the funds to develop a 1 km universal trail loop for those with reduced mobility to ensure that the forest is accessible for all.
Another goal is education and conservation, which will use $310,000. This will allow the foundation to create educational materials and activities for daycares, schools and the public, which they hope will foster a sense of pride in the Boucher Forest. In terms of conservation, the
fundraising will allow the foundation to develop projects that will protect and rehabilitate ecosystems, deal with invasive species, monitor the ecological health of the forest, and ensure sustainability.
During the March 9 press conference, Christina Richard, president of the Boucher Forest Foundation, introduced the campaign chair Jessy Desjardins, the campaign spokesperson Jerome Dupras, and the other members of their campaign board. Councillor for the Aylmer district, Steven Boivin was also in attendance, and spoke about the support Gatineau has offered to the foundation as well as the importance of the maintenance of the forest.
During the conference, Richard noted that this “All for the Boucher Forest Campaign” is the largest environmental fundraising campaign in the Outaouais.
Brigil donated $250,000 to the cause after 53% of the goal was reached. This brought the total to $929,180.
In order to meet the fundraising goal, the Boucher Forest Foundation invites residents to donate or create a challenge and invite friends, family, and colleagues to participate and raise money for the cause. The foundation gives hiking with friends, family marathon, car wash, or sale of plant and flower bulbs as potential challenge ideas.
Individuals interested in participating can donate or create a challenge by visiting https://www.jedonneenligne.org/fondationforetboucher/campagne/TouspourleParc

Photo: Michel Gosselin