About us

The Boucher Forest Foundation

Founded in 2007, the Boucher Forest Foundation works to preserve, protect and enhance the flora and fauna of the Boucher forest by developing its territory and organizing educational projects and environmental events. Its goal is to preserve the forest's ecosystem and to educate the public on the importance of protecting it.

The Boucher Forest is a 700-acre (272 ha) urban forest located in the Aylmer sector of the City of Gatineau. It has been the object of a citizen's mobilization for several years to ensure its protection and its development.

It is the last forest in Aylmer and has an ecological value that is described as "very high" and plays a key role in maintaining biodiversity in the region. It is home to more than 1145 species, including vulnerable or threatened species.

In 2019, the City of Gatineau handed over the creation and management of the future Park of ’’la Forêt Boucher’’  to the Boucher forest Foundation, as part of an initial three-year agreement.

The Boucher Forest Park project

The  Park of ’’la Forêt Boucher’’ is a community-driven project to create an urban park on the 360-acre Boucher forest owned by the City of Gatineau, while protecting and enhancing the forest. The Park of ’’la Forêt Boucher’’ will be the second-largest urban park in Gatineau. It will be a local urban outdoor space for all citizens, young and old. It will be a particular benefit to the population of the western part of the city, where the population is growing fastest. It will have multiple beneficial effects on air quality and the quality of life of citizens. Access to the Park will be free and its universal pathway will make it unique. The Foundation will collaborate with several actors to offer various educational and conservation activities, including camps and a school in the forest, guided hikes and events for the general public.

Where do your donations go?

Your support is essential to protect the Boucher Forest! The developments planned in the Boucher Forest Park will guide users towards outdoor practices in harmony with the ecosystems. In concrete terms, your donations will allow us to achieve the 3 priorities below.

	Priority 1: Park Development - Target $1,055,000
	Development of over 8 kilometres of trails and boardwalks, including walkways that will protect wetlands Installation of street furniture and signage Hebertism track Mountain bike initiation trail Shelter in the heart of the forest for activities including nature classes In the longer term: construction of a reception pavilion
	Priority 2: Park Accessibility - Target $385,000
	The creation of the Park of ’’la Forêt Boucher’’ is a project for our community and carried by our community, so we want its access to be universal. We will be building a 1 km universal trail loop in the park. People with mobility devices and families with strollers will be able to enjoy the site. This universal trail will be a unique attraction in Gatineau.
	Priority 3: Education and Conservation - Target $310,000
	Implementation of a series of conservation actions that will aim to mitigate harmful forest uses Development of an urban outdoor service offer in harmony with the natural environment, including several educational activities