Nestled in the heart of the Outaouais region, the Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve is a preserved natural gem, home to one of the last remaining old-growth forests in southern Quebec. Among its treasures, a majestic maple tree—nearly 300 years old—stands tall as a living witness to the region’s forest history.
A Witness to Natural History
The Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve, located within the municipalities of Mulgrave-et-Derry, Mayo, and Saint-Sixte, spans an area of 2,052 hectares. It protects exceptional forest ecosystems, including trees that are over 400 years old. These forests have been minimally disturbed by human activity, offering a rare glimpse into the original forests of southwestern Quebec.
The Tree-Dating Process
To determine the age of this remarkable maple, researchers use dendrochronology—a scientific method that involves analyzing the tree’s growth rings. Each year, a tree produces a new ring, the width of which varies depending on climatic and environmental conditions. By extracting a core sample with a tool called a Pressler increment borer, scientists can count the rings without cutting down the tree, allowing them to estimate its age with precision.
A Forest of Exceptional Richness
The Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve is primarily composed of beech-maple stands, but it also includes yellow birch and basswood maples, as well as sugar maple-hemlock stands. This forest diversity provides an ideal habitat for many species, including some that are threatened or vulnerable, such as the cerulean warbler and Back’s sedge.
A Destination for Nature Lovers
With 12 km of trails open year-round, the Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore an ancient forest and encounter century-old trees. Educational panels along the trails provide information on the flora, fauna, and ecosystems found in the reserve. The interpretation center, managed by Les Amis de la Forêt-la-Blanche, also offers educational activities and exhibits to deepen your understanding of this exceptional environment.
Plan Your Visit
Located about 60 km from Gatineau, the Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve is easily accessible for a nature getaway. The trails and the interpretation center are open daily. Please note that, to preserve the site’s ecological integrity, dogs are not permitted, even on a leash.
For more information on the ecological reserve, its trails, and activities, visit the official website: www.foretlablanche.org.