Wetlands... a place worth exploring

Did you know that Deschenes Park contains a large proportion of wetlands within its boundaries? One of them, the Lamoureux Marsh—thanks to its size and the sizeable body of water at its center—is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna while providing valuable ecosystem services: water filtration, flood prevention, carbon sequestration, and more.

All too often, our wetlands have been neglected, drained, or filled in, despite being protected by a by a provincial law. Renowned as a bird-watching destination in the Gatineau area, the Lamoureux Marsh requires special attention to ensure its protection, especially since it is one of the last marshes located in the heart of an urban environment.

Special care is therefore needed to adequately protect these fragile habitats, and it is important to ensure that surface water levels are properly regulated. This is where the beaver plays a crucial role! This tireless worker is largely responsible for the marsh’s existence, thanks to the natural levees and dams it builds to regulate the water level.

To gain a better understanding of the fluctuations, APD recently installed a monitoring station that, over time, will help improve our understanding of the dynamics of the Lamoureux Marsh and of its long-term sustainability.