Opening hours

Mon. 8am to 12pm / 1pm to 4pm

Tue. 8h to 12h / 13h to 16h

Wed. 8h to 12h / 13h to 16h

Thurs. 8h to 12h / 13h to 16h

Fri. 8h to 12h

Striped bass project on the Îles de Sorel (2019 to 2021)

Since 2019, we’ve been carrying out a striped bass project in collaboration with the Bureau environnement et terre de Wôlinak, the Grand Council of the Waban-Aki Nation and the Ministère des Forêts de la Faune et des Parcs. There are several distinct populations of this species, one of which remains in the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Kamouraska year-round.

In the past, the St. Lawrence River was home to a very abundant striped bass population. This species was the subject of intensive recreational and commercial fishing, so much so that the population was considered extinct in the 1960s. The species was designated “endangered” in order to protect it and its critical habitats. A few years ago, wildlife managers initiated a process to reintroduce striped bass into the St. Lawrence.

Today, after several years of effort, the situation seems to be gradually improving. Sectors are being reused again, new spawning grounds are being discovered and young individuals are being captured (indicating good reproduction). Numerous research projects, including our own, have greatly increased our knowledge of this species and its evolution.

More specifically, our work aims to identify the essential habitats of this population at different times of the year, particularly in the Sorel Islands archipelago. We are documenting the presence of spawners, eggs and larvae, while tracking the movement of individuals throughout the year using telemetry tools.

Although the situation is improving, the species still retains its legal status as “endangered”. Given that the pressures on its environment are still very much present, and that animal population dynamics is an extremely complex subject that evolves over long periods of time, it is vital to continue the research that will help this species to recover once and for all, and subsequently to establish sound, sustainable management methods. One thing is certain: we’re on the right track!

Striped Bass

Winter Telemetry

Spring Monitoring

Lake Sturgeon (spring 2012 to 2018)

Since 2012, the Odanak Land and Environment Office has been monitoring lake sturgeon reproduction in the Saint-François River. The project began with a search for breeding adults and egg deposition sites in the downstream portion of the river (between Odanak and Drummondville). This enabled us to determine that lake sturgeon spawning in this river takes place mainly in the tailbay of the Drummondville hydroelectric complex. Since 2014, the aim of the project has therefore been to better document its spawning ecology at this location by meeting the following specific objectives: 1) monitor egg deposition sites, 2) estimate the number of spawners, 3) estimate the number of drifting larvae, and ultimately 4) assess reproductive success (number of eggs/number of larvae). Based on these observations, it is then possible to suggest modifications to hydrological management measures should they compromise reproductive success.

The main findings of this study are as follows:

• There appear to be around 50 spawning females coming to Drummondville annually;
• The final choice of spawning site seems closely linked to the water flow pattern at the Drummondville complex (turbined water vs. spilled water);
• The overall management of water flows at hydroelectric power stations seems to influence sturgeon breeding ecology. Elements likely to disrupt spawning are 1) the draining and filling of the Hemmings dam for maintenance purposes and 2) the resulting flow fluctuations;
• Spawning success varies around 1%, which is comparable to other Quebec spawning grounds.

Various management measures have since been agreed with key stakeholders to limit the negative impact on fish spawning downstream of hydroelectric structures. The most notable of these are 1) the maintenance of an ecological flow of 20 m3/s in the Drummondville spillway in order to avoid mass mortalities of fish trapped in the troughs (mainly redhorses), and 2) the maintenance of a total flow of at least 75 m3/s between April 1 and June 15 in order to maintain an adequate level on all known spawning sites.

This project was completed in June 2018. You will find below the related documentation.

Lake Sturgeon

An Experienced Pilot

A Lot of Material!

Lake Sturgeon Eggs

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2012. Lake sturgeon restoration in the lower Saint-François River basin. 55 pages and appendix.

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2014. Restauration de l’esturgeon jaune (Acipenser fulvescens) dans le bassin inférieur de la rivière Saint-François. Capture-marquage-recapture et utilisation du cours inférieur de la rivière Saint-François en période estivale. Rapport préparé par Émilie Paquin et Julie D’Amours pour le Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak. 44 pages et annexes.

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2015. Evaluation of lake sturgeon reproductive success at the Drummondville spawning ground and influence of flow rates, spring 2014. Report prepared by Michel La Haye and Émilie Paquin for the Abenaki Council of Odanak. 42 pages and appendices.

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2016. Evaluation of lake sturgeon reproductive success at the Drummondville spawning ground and influence of flow rates, spring 2015. Report prepared by Michel La Haye and Émilie Paquin for the Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak. 38 pages and appendices.

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2016. Analysis of natural and anthropogenic factors of flow variations in the Saint-François River downstream from the Drummondville dam – 2014-2015. Report prepared by Claudie Giguère-Croteau for the Conseil des Abénkis d’Odanak. 7 pages.BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2017. Suivi des travaux terrains effectués sur la rivière Saint-François par l’équipe du bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak au printemps 2017. Report prepared by Sophie Proudfoot and Samuel Dufour-Pelletier for the Conseil des Abénkis d’Odanak. 22 pages. (Available upon request)

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2018. Evaluation of lake sturgeon reproductive success at the Drummondville spawning ground and influence of flow rates, spring 2016. Report prepared by Samuel Dufour-Pelletier and Michel La Haye for the Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak. 38 pages and appendices.

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2019. Evaluation of lake sturgeon reproductive success at the Drummondville spawning ground and influence of flow rates, spring 2018. Report prepared by Samuel Dufour-Pelletier and Joannie Beaupré for the Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak. 33 pages and appendices

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2018. Evaluation of lake sturgeon reproductive success at the Drummondville spawning ground and influence of flow rates, spring 2017. Report prepared by Samuel Dufour-Pelletier and Michel La Haye for the Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak. 44 pages and appendices.

Dufour-Pelletier, S., É. Paquin, P. Brodeur and M. La Haye, 2021. Reproduction of lake sturgeon in the Saint-François River: an example of aboriginal participation in the conservation of an emblematic species. The Canadian Naturalist, 145 (2): 35-48.

Yellow Perch (spring 2014 to 2019 and 2021-2022)

Habitat development was carried out in the Odanak territory to promote the free movement of fish between the Saint-François River and two “perched” marshes. These improvements were aimed in particular at yellow perch spawning in the marshes. During low spring floods, water levels prevented the yellow perch from crossing the old culverts, which protruded into the river.

That’s why, in 2014, we carried out an initial development at marsh #1 in Odanak. This mainly involved changing the culvert for a larger one by recessing it into the substrate. In order to create a stream with adequate flow for yellow perch, we reshaped the stream’s course, lengthening it considerably and creating a succession of small basins and stone restrictions. The new stream banks were solidified with coconut mats and shrub planting, improving the amount of spawning substrate available to yellow perch. A very similar development was subsequently carried out at marsh #2 in 2017.

Fish circulation and larvae production were monitored at marsh #1 from spring 2014 to 2019, and at marsh #2 from spring 2016 to 2019. Physicochemical, vegetation recovery and infrastructure quality monitoring were also carried out in subsequent years.

To date, these surveys suggest that the facilities are fulfilling their functions. Even during low water levels, yellow perch are able to reach the marshes without constraint. Larval monitoring also confirms that spawning occurs every year.

However, a certain amount of potential spawning and juvenile rearing habitat is still inaccessible due to the low water levels observed in certain springs (and accentuated in summer). As the entire surface area of the marsh is considered high-quality spawning and rearing habitat, less water automatically translates into a loss of habitat potential for yellow perch spawning there. What’s more, a slightly higher water level would be an asset for several other species groups (amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, etc.).

That’s why a new phase of the project is being launched in 2021-2022, involving a pre-project study to raise the water level in marsh #2. A monitoring plan has been put in place, involving regular monitoring of water levels through culvert observations, drone photos of the marsh and water level measurements.

Documentation is available below. Further reports will follow.

Culvert Too High (before development)

Development at The 2^nd Marsh

New Culverts and Ruisseau 2e Marais

Gravid Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Eggs

Low Water Level at Marsh #2

AECOM. 2013. Statement of scope of remedial work for the free movement of yellow perch during the spawning period – Remedial works on the unnamed brook between the 1st marsh and the Saint-François River. 47 pages.

BETO (Odanak Environment and Land Office). 2015. Corrective arrangements for the movement of fish between the Saint-François River and the 1st marsh of the commune of Odanak – Technical report. 16 pages and appendices.

BETO (Odanak Environment and Land Office). 2017. Monitoring of the corrective development for the movement of fish between the Saint-François River and the 1st marsh of the municipality of Odanak – Technical report. 29 pages and annexes.

BETO (Odanak Environment and Land Office). 2017. Improved fish circulation between the 2nd Odanak marsh and the late channel. Council of the Abenakis of Odanak, 26 pages and annexes.

BETO (Odanak Environment and Land Office). 2018 Development of the stream connecting the 2nd marsh to the Tardif channel. Report prepared by Sophie Proudfoot and Samuel Dufour-Pelletier for the Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak. 20 pages and appendices.

Copper redhorse: environmental DNA analysis (2019 to 2021)

The copper redhorse is a species of Catostomidae that is endemic to southwestern Quebec (it is found only in this part of the world). Only part of the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries, including the Rivière Saint-François, are home to this species. It has been designated as threatened by the Quebec government since 1999, mainly due to habitat degradation and fragmentation, water contamination by pollutants, and the presence of invasive exotic species (tench, round goby, etc.). Many other factors contribute to its precarious existence, including accidental capture by sport fishermen.

To learn more about the spring distribution of this species, the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs is currently using a fast-growing scientific method: environmental DNA. In short, all animals leave fragments of their DNA in their living environment at one time or another (e.g. reproductive cells, droppings, carcasses). By collecting water at specific times and places, these samples can then be analyzed in the laboratory to determine whether or not the DNA of a desired species is present in the sample.

The Odanak Land and Environment Office is involved in collecting water samples for this project, right across the street from the community.

Copper Redhorse

Canoe Sampling

Small Fish at Risk (summers 2014 to 2016)

Between 2014 and 2016, experimental seine fishing was carried out in various sectors of the Saint-François River to detect the presence of small fish at risk (sand darter, channel darter) and to estimate the area of habitat suitable for their presence.

Although these species have been located in several places and some of these suitable habitats are present in sufficient quantity, it appears that some subpopulations do not include enough individuals to be viable in the long term. A number of threats may hinder the recovery of these species, including habitat modification by recreational boating, altered river flows, water pollution, biological control of insects, etc.

Related documentation is available below.

Experimental Fishing with Shore Seine

Grey Rockhopper

Fish Sorting

Taking Physico-chemical Measurements

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2015. Abundance inventory and area estimation of suitable habitat for sand darter in the Saint-François River, lower sector. VF2-20150325. 26 pages and appendices.

BETO (Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak). 2017. Abundance inventory and area estimate of suitable habitat for the Channel Darter in the Saint-François River, lower sector. 34 pages and appendices.

Fish Observation (spring-summer 2018 to 2021)

In collaboration with Hydro-Québec and the MFFP, BETO has developed a technique to detect and quantify the presence of fish in the spillway of the Drummondville hydroelectric dam.

At this point, the flow of the Saint-François River is segmented into two parts: the power plant, which turbines part of the river to produce energy, and the spillway, which discharges the excess water. The topography of the riverbed means that when there isn’t enough water, several small pools become isolated from each other, and fish can get trapped inside. For this reason, Hydro-Québec deliberately leaves a continuous flow in the weir during the fish spawning period, so that they can move around freely.

In summer, after the fish spawning period, Hydro-Québec managers adjust the flow pattern of the Saint-François River to turbinate more water, resulting in virtually no flow through the weir.

In order to prevent fish from remaining captive in the pools when water flows were restored, we carried out numerous observations during the spring to determine the approximate number of fish present in these pools, and which of them seemed to be the most problematic.

Two methods were tested simultaneously to answer these questions: 1) on-the-spot observation with polarized goggles to better see into the water, and 2) observation using a drone.

Excellent collaboration with Hydro-Québec staff enables water flows to be modulated to ensure a smooth transition to a flow-free weir. During the transition, operators adjust the power plant’s turbining capacity as required to create a succession of water withdrawals from the weir (in the manner of numerous small “ripples”), resulting in a gradual withdrawal of fish from the pools. With each “wave”, a certain number of fish leave the weir and return to the main river channel, until there are none left. This can take several days!

By observing in real time, we can be sure that no fish are left, and if they are, we can take the necessary steps to remove them.These observations have continued every spring/summer since 2018.

Drummondville Hydroelectric Plant Spillway

Drone Observation of a Lake Sturgeon and 3 Whitehorses

Trapped Lake Sturgeon (rescued)

Taking Physico-chemical Measurements

Cormorants (2021)

The Bureau environnement et terre d’Odanak and the Bureau environnement Wôlinak, in collaboration with the MFFP, have developed a project aimed at limiting the number of double-crested cormorants resting on the navigation aid structures of Lake Saint-Pierre during their fall migration.

This project, funded by the Ministère de la Défense Nationale, is part of the project to mitigate the public safety risk associated with unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) in Lake Saint-Pierre, and aims to offset the fish mortality caused by this work by reducing the predation pressure caused by cormorants.

Indeed, in recent years, cormorants have become increasingly numerous in the region, and their numbers increase considerably between August and October, the period when they use the river to travel to their wintering grounds. Lac Saint-Pierre has 11 navigation aids to keep the ice out of the shipping channel, and these structures provide a perfect resting place for the birds to regain their strength. During this period, cormorants actively feed in the aquatic grass beds of Lac Saint-Pierre, where they feed on all kinds of fish species, including yellow perch.

More specifically, this project involves covering certain structures with heavy netting to prevent cormorants from landing on them. By reducing access to these resting stations, we believe that the cormorants’ migration patterns will be altered, that there could be a reduction in predation pressure on the fish and therefore a potential reduction in impact on the fish community.

Preliminary results demonstrate that the developments work to reduce accessibility to the blocks. However, more research will be needed to know if this directly translates into a reduction in predation on fish resources. For these reasons, our teams carry out various monitoring in parallel in order to better measure the impact that the developments have on the use of the cormorants’ resting and feeding habitat, both on a local and regional scale. We therefore use different inventory techniques, such as aerial counting using a drone and/or seaplane.

Grand Council of the Waban-Aki Nation, 2022. Fish mortality compensation project as part of the public safety risk mitigation project linked to unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) in Lake Saint-Pierre of the Ministry of National Defense – Monitoring of the double-crested cormorant population of Lake Saint-Pierre and compensatory measures, summer and fall 2021. Report prepared by Samuel Dufour-Pelletier and Vanessa Fortin-Castonguay for Construction and Defense Canada. 43 pages and annexes.

Guide to Good Practices – 1

Fish mortality compensation project as part of the public safety risk mitigation project linked to unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) in Lake Saint-Pierre of the Ministry of National Defense

Bank swallow inventories (summer 2021)

In the summer of 2021, the BETO team explored the banks of the Saint-François River as well as part of the Nicolet River in order to identify bank swallow colonies as well as potential habitats for future colonies. Although the species is still common in Canada, its population in the country has declined by 98% in 40 years and this decline continues.

The objective of the project is to recommend to Environment Canada the designation of areas of active colonies or potential habitats as essential habitats for the recovery of the species under the Species at Risk Act, the law under which the bank swallow is designated as threatened in Canada. Also, the project made it possible to raise awareness among local property owners of the presence of this species and the actions to take to protect its nesting site. The good practices guide is available to learn more about the species and know what to do to protect it.

Guide to Good Practices – 1

Guide to Good Practices – 1

Guide to Good Practices – 2

Colony Count

E. Gariépy and M. Veilleux-Chabot. 2022. Monitoring of nesting of the bank swallow in the Ndakina territory; 2021-2022. Councils of the Abenakis of Odanak and Wôlinak, 30 p. + appendices.

Canada Warbler (spring-summer 2018)

In 2018, we carried out a project on the Canada Warbler. This small forest bird is designated threatened under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. The Canada warbler makes annual migrations from its nesting area (from New England to the boreal forest) to its wintering area (South America). This bird faces many threats, whether it be the huge coffee plantations in Colombia or logging in its breeding area. Our project aims to find nesting pairs in order to define which habitat elements are most used in the Centre-du-Québec region.

In order to detect its presence, we use an automated acoustic recording system. The principle is simple: using a stereo microphone, we record the birds singing every morning (during the breeding season) between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Later, at the office, we can analyze the audio tapes quietly for warblers. Habitat inventories adapted to this species ultimately make it possible to determine which habitat elements they favor the most.

Ultimately, these results will help the various committees working on the recovery of this species to define what is the critical habitat of the Canada Warbler according to the different regions.

Canada Warbler

Automated Acoustic Inventory Station

Spectrogram of Canada Warbler

Characterization of Nesting Habitat

Nest Box Network (winter 2017)

In southern Quebec, the loss of large forest areas and the rejuvenation of the residual forest are leading to a significant change in the quantity and quality of a resource that seems innocuous, but very important for biodiversity: dead wood. In fact, many vertebrates and insects use standing dead wood, called snags, for various reasons at one point or another in their life cycle. Several species of insects are dependent there, and thus have a predominant role in the dynamics of certain species of woodpeckers using dead wood as a feeding substrate. By feeding and excavating cavities for nesting, woodpeckers will promote the dispersal of fungi contributing to the degradation of dead wood, and ultimately create cavities which will be used by a host of other species incapable of excavating their own shelters for nesting or resting.

To the extent that it is difficult to leave dead wood in place, or in areas where forest disturbances are omnipresent, it is still possible to provide temporary nesting habitat for certain target species. This is why the Environment and Land Office got its hands dirty during the winter of 2017 to build 35 nest boxes of 6 different sizes which will be distributed according to very specific habitats in the Odanak territory. This device could benefit more than 20 species of birds as well as many mammals! To this end, a small network of arboreal duck nest boxes installed along marshes 1 and 2 of the commune a few years ago made it possible to count several uses of wood ducks, screech owls and lesser flying squirrels. This observation suggests that there could be a lack of habitat (dead wood) across the territory and that these animals are turning to an artificial habitat in order to nest or shelter.
It will easily be possible to visit the nest boxes every spring to detect signs of use!

We therefore encourage you, as long as no danger is present, not to cut down dead trees that you find in the forest or even on your land.

Building Nest Boxes

Building Nest Boxes

Several Types of Nest Boxes

Nest Box for Wood Duck

Nocturnal Bird Inventory (spring 2017 and 2018)

The Odanak environment and land office carried out an inventory of nocturnal owls near Odanak (2017 and 2018). This is a national program to document the presence of various species on a very large scale with the help of numerous voluntary and non-volunteer collaborators. This is what we call citizen science!

The principle is very simple. We take a route punctuated by several stops during which we play a recording containing several songs of nocturnal owls. Individuals looking for a partner, or simply those who feel provoked, respond to the call, allowing us to locate them.

During our surveys for a single evening, we were fortunate to detect the presence of a Great Horned Owl within the community of Odanak as well as several Barred Owls.

Acoustic Inventory by Listening Route

Barred Owl

Gray Partridge Inventory (Winter 2018)

We participated in an inventory of gray partridge song in the region carried out by the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks. These data will make it possible to estimate the size of the population in Centre-du-Québec, unknown until now. We also received training on capturing and handling birds with the aim of fitting them with telemetry transmitters.

Gray Partridge Baggage

Taking Morphometric Measurements

Fitting a Radio Collar

Automated Acoustic Inventory of Singing Males

American Woodcock Inventory (Spring 2018)

The Environment and Land Office team was fortunate to receive a visit from the Club des Bécassiers du Québec to teach us the art of woodcock inventory using a pointing dog. Using the dog’s sense of smell, excellent training and a specific bird-seeking lineage, it is possible to detect the presence of woodcock (and even nests) in suitable habitats.

The people at the club helped us target Odanak forest habitats that could lend themselves to developments aimed at improving the quality of this bird’s habitat.

By managing to increase the quality of habitat for the woodcock, we are also improving the habitat parameters for many other species. For example, a very young, dense deciduous forest can serve as nesting habitat for woodcock, but also provide optimal habitat for raising broods of ruffed grouse.

Such development work will eventually delight small game hunters and many amateur ornithologists!

Dogs Pointing at An American Woodcock

American Woodcock

Forest-Wildlife Development in Odanak (since 2018)

In 2019, BETO adopted a “Forest-Wildlife Development Plan” for the community’s woodlands. This plan is in fact a management tool that we will use to subsequently carry out forestry developments aimed at improving the quality of habitat for the various species of game that are hunted in the community: snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer.

During the winter and summer of 2018, we carried out various wildlife and forest inventories in order to determine which sectors are more suitable for forest development, and therefore, the type of intervention that we could carry out. For example, by judging that a forest stand is of low quality for the snowshoe hare, we can determine which variables of its habitat could quickly be improved, and at what cost (e.g. planting fir trees to provide winter protection cover). By analyzing the situation as a whole, it is also possible to predict how certain developments may evolve in the long term. For example, development between different areas that are already of good quality could ensure connectivity between these good sectors, and thus promote the growth of the population of the targeted species.

To carry out the plan, we used different field methods:
– Snow tracking to determine areas of abundance of game species during the critical winter period
– Ultra-precise mapping of forest stands using a drone
– Count of white-tailed deer in winter ravages
– Tree vegetation inventory (summer)
– Forest regeneration inventory (summer)

These data were analyzed taking into consideration the forest composition around the community (at the regional scale). Indeed, since animals have no boundaries, these factors must be evaluated in order to maximize the chances of success of the developments. The plan therefore includes annual interventions over a twenty-year horizon which began in winter 2021.

We thus hope, in the medium to long term, to ensure quality habitat for exploited species and thus enable the maintenance of traditional activities of the Abenakis and to promote the transmission of knowledge to younger generations (hare snaring, deer hunting, etc.). The document is available for viewing below.

Forest Mapping

White-tailed Deer Inventory

Snow Tracking

Ruffed Grouse Resting Site

Winter Interventions (2021)

Odanak Environment and Land Office. 2020. Forest management tool for small game in Odanak. Report prepared by Samuel Dufour-Pelletier for the Abenaki Council of Odanak. 49 pages and annexes.

Bat Inventories (summers 2017 and 2018)

We carried out several bat inventories in the region during the summers of 2017 and 2018. A listening route, which consists of following a standardized route with an ultrasound detection device, was carried out in order to detect and characterize the bat population in the region. Several species at risk were sought, including the Little Brown Bat and the Eastern Bat.

We also found several bat maternity wards. A maternity ward corresponds to a site used by bats to give birth and feed their young while waiting for the moment of dispersal, which takes place later in the summer. These maternities can be found in natural structures such as hollow trees or caves, but also in human habitations. In the region, the most common species is the Big Brown Bat and it is the bat that is most likely to use human habitations as a birthing or hibernation site.

Further analyzes of sonograms (recording of calls with a special device) will allow us to detect the presence of various species by relating everything to the type of habitat used.

You will find the related documentation below. An additional report will follow in 2019.

Listening Route with an Ultrasound Detection Device

Bat Count in a Maternity Ward

Nest Box Attempting to Replace a Maternity Ward

Bat Sonogram (ultrasound)

BETO (Odanak Environment and Land Office). 2018. Mid-term report on monitoring of bat populations in summer 2017 – Odanak, Qc. 16 pages and annexes.

BETO (Odanak Environment and Land Office). 2018. Monitoring of bat populations during the summers of 2017 and 2018 in the Odanak region – Listening routes and monitoring of maternity wards, Qc. 36 pages and annexes.

Facilities for The Turtle (2007 to 2009)

It is with the aim of supporting this animal, which holds a predominant place in indigenous cultures, that the “Turtle Project” was born in 2007. Since then, it has made it possible to acquire knowledge about this reptile, to make arrangements to protect it and to create a trail allowing you to meet this animal in its habitat.

Thus, a bypass fence was installed around the first marsh in order to limit access to the village for turtles and thus reduce accidents. In addition, nesting mounds were created to increase the number of nesting sites for turtles in the area inside the fences.

Capturing Turtles Using Fyke Nets

Taking Morphometric Measurements

Snapping Turtle Nest

Baby Painted Turtle

Baby Painted and Snapping Turtles

Turtle Bypass Fence

Development of Nesting Sites

Laying Site

Nolett MD, Ouellette M, Nolett LG, Harel A, Bourassa MM, Forget P, Mongeon M. 2011. Odanak: an indigenous community engaged in turtle conservation. The Canadian Naturalist;135(2): 57-63.

Écocentre

The Odanak Environment and Land Office manages an ecocenter which allows several types of residual materials to be disposed of. The ecocenter was completely redeveloped in 2019, in order to improve services and install a raised unloading ramp. To find out the details and the accepted and refused materials, consult the ecocentre page.

Storage of Hazardous Household Waste

Storage of Green Waste

Raised Unloading Ramp

Characterization of Residual Materials

In 2019, a characterization of the community’s residual materials was carried out, with the aim of drawing a portrait of the situation and targeting certain opportunities for improvement. The characterization made it possible to estimate that the community annually sends 167,000 kg of waste to landfill, and 51,000 kg of materials to the sorting center.

The results of the characterization are illustrated in the graphs below. A proportion of 76% of waste collection could be reused, which would divert 127,000 kg of materials annually from landfill. For recycling, 13% to 38% could be used otherwise, which represents between 6,600 kg and 19,500 kg annually.

Educational capsules are being produced and will eventually be broadcast.

Portrait of The Management of Residual Materials in The Community of Odanak

Composition of Waste Collection (landfill) of the Community of Odanak

Composition of the Selective Collection of The Odanak Community

Household

Before the establishment of the first depot site in Odanak, the woods were filled with old scrap metal of all kinds from another era and by more recent waste such as camps, abandoned caches or improvised dumps. The waste was brought by the people of Odanak, but also by several neighboring municipalities. In addition to setting up an official deposit site, the Odanak Environment and Land Office team is working to clean up these wooded areas in order to make the area cleaner and more attractive. Since 2014, dozens of sites have been cleaned!

Abandoned Fishing Hut on Round Island

Old Scrap Metal

Vestiges of Another Era

Old Hunting Camps

Composting

The Odanak environment and land office tries to promote the production and use of compost at home. We organized, among other things, several awareness activities and distributed composters to several members of the community. If you are interested in converting to compost and you live in Odanak, do not hesitate to contact us.

Training on Composting at Home

Distribution of Composters

Guide to Residual Materials Management

Guide to Residual Materials Management

Barter

Collective barter days are organized each year to promote the reuse of used objects. The goal is to reduce the quantity of waste produced by people (other than household trash) by encouraging them to dispose of it in a completely different way. The idea is to create a common space that allows people to get rid of these objects by exchanging them with other members of the community. In addition to supporting mutual aid in the community and raising awareness among the population about material recovery, this helps reduce the unnecessary waste of objects that are still in good condition. Objects such as books, crockery, tools or gardening items can thus be given a second life.

Community Sharing of November 19, 2017

Permanent Community Sharing Shelf

Invitation to Community Sharing

Monarchs, Butterfly Effect (2021)

As part of an initiative by the David Suzuki Foundation, Odanak is registered as a monarch-friendly city.
Since 2002, the monarch population has declined by 90%. One of the reasons for this decrease is that the caterpillars must feed on a particular plant: milkweed. This plant grows in fields, roadsides and is often considered a weed. The reproduction of monarchs is therefore disrupted by the reduction in the presence of milkweed, among other things because of herbicides and agricultural practices. As adults, the monarch undertakes a long migration, moving from Canada to Mexico to spend the winter. It can be observed in Quebec especially during the month of June.
This project therefore allows the community to know more about the monarch and to be aware of their preservation. In particular, a discovery activity took place in the community garden in the summer of 2021 as well as a distribution of milkweed seeds and nectar-producing flowers. Milkweed and nectar plants are also planted in the community to create favorable habitats for monarch reproduction.

Garden Activity

Garden Activity (2)

Garden and Greenhouse

In the summer of 2018, the BETO team undertook work to redevelop the Odanak community garden in order to make it more accessible and ensure better management.

The new site now includes a greenhouse (built in 2017), 8 ground containers, 8 raised containers and 2 flower boxes, a fence, a rainwater collection tank and composters.

For Odanak members wishing to use the community garden, you can contact us or other community service centers to register on the list of participants. Since places are limited, it is important to notify managers as early as possible in the season.

This project was made possible thanks to the TD Foundation for the Environment and in collaboration with the Odanak Band Council, the Odanak Health Center, the Grand Council of the Waban Aki Nation and First Nations Child and Family Services.

All this is in addition to the new greenhouse which was built in 2017 thanks to financial support from Gaz Métro.

Raised Containers

Floor Bins

Flower Boxes

Greenhouse

Tolba and Koak

The community of Odanak includes two trails that were developed by the Environment and Land Office.

The first, the Tolba trail, is a place to discover W8banaki culture in interrelation with the natural environment. Numerous interpretation panels allow you to learn more about the culture as well as the fauna, flora and history of the area.

An approach binocular is installed at the marsh 2 lookout for observation.

This trail is in the forest environment bordering the Saint-François River and extends over 2.2 km, from the Musée des Abénakis to the Koak trail.

The second, the Koak trail, is a 700 m trail at the exit of the community (on Waban-Aki Street near Notre-Dame-de-Pierreville). The route runs through a pine forest where it is possible to observe abundant wildlife.

Both trails are accessible free of charge at all times and dogs on a leash are accepted. However, we recommend that walkers and snowshoers on the trail avoid being there at sunrise and sunset and wear a bib or bright colors in order to respect the hunters who also use this wooded area from September to January.

New Observation Tower

Staircase (new entrance)

Gateway

Gazebo at The Start of The Tolba Trail (Odaskwin park)

Interpretation on Medicinal Plants

Belvedere Overlooking The Marsh 1

Approach Binocular to The Marsh 2

Marsh 1 in Winter

Marsh 2 in Summer

Koak Trail (wheelchair accessible)

Rest Area at Koak Trail

Trail Map

Tolba Trail Leaflet

Activities

The staff of the Environment and Land Office participate in numerous community events, whether for field preparation or for animation. Here are some activities that we carry out annually or sporadically.

Hiking in Rabaska

Outdoor Fishing

Inland Fishing

Skull Bleaching

Nature Interpretation with School Groups or Others

Lake Sturgeon Smoking

Ash Beating for Traditional Basketry

Earth Day

Over the years, our work and observations have allowed us to document the presence of numerous species with special status in the Odanak territory. There are two laws that govern the protection of these species in Quebec. First, the Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species ensures a status for certain species at the PROVINCIAL level, namely Threatened, Vulnerable, or Likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable. At the FEDERAL level, it is the Endangered Species Act that ensures the protection of these species. At the federal level, before being annexed to the law, a species must obtain an assessment from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). It therefore happens that a species obtains an opinion from COSEWIC, but that it is not yet annexed within the meaning of the Act.

In both cases, both provincially and federally, the legal designation of a species at risk leads to the establishment of a recovery program. These programs are documents describing the most up-to-date information on the species (demographic situation, critical habitat, scientific knowledge), the main threats that put pressure on the species and its habitat and the actions to be taken to improve its situation.

Here is a small table which refers to the main species seen in the territory.

Version Excel

Unfortunately, as in many other places, the Odanak territory is home to some invasive alien species (IAS). An IAS is a plant, animal or micro-organism (virus, bacteria or fungus) which is introduced outside its natural range and which can establish itself at a speed and/or intensity which could constitute a threat to the environment, the economy or society. In Quebec, more than twenty species are already considered to be of concern (e.g. phragmites, zebra mussel, round goby, tench) and many others are on our doorstep. In Odanak, we have documented the presence of some of them, including the warbler, the tench and the reed canary grass. It is important to stay on the lookout for these species and limit their spread across the territory. For more information, please refer to this site:
https://www.pub.mddefp.gouv.qc.ca/scc/Catalogue/ConsulterCatalogue.aspx