Press release – Agiro restores a heavily disturbed site in the heart of a future nature reserve
For immediate release
Québec – September 13th, 2024 – Agiro, with funding from Microsoft, and in collaboration with the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) and the City of Québec, proudly announces the noteworthy progress of an ambitious restoration project at the foot of Mont-Brillant, west of the Saint-Charles Lake.
Restoring ecological integrity and promoting biodiversity
The project focuses on restoring the ecological integrity of a former dry materials landfill that ceased operations in 2012. The goal is to restore habitats that attract local wildlife while actively involving the community in the process.
Agronomists guided Agiro’s team in soil regeneration efforts, applying 700 m³ of imported topsoil and 420 m³ of wood chips provided by The City of Québec’s urban forestry team. The team used this material to create ten planting islands, now home to nearly 300 trees, shrubs, and various perennials. They also focused on controlling invasive species in peripheral areas, where soil quality allowed direct planting. Strategies included installing impermeable tarps, manual removal campaigns, and planting 286 native plants to outcompete invasive plant species.
Supporting local wildlife
During a bioblitz, 14 experts, volunteers and employees worked together to document 245 species of wildlife and plants on the site. This activity was crucial in guiding wildlife habitat prioritization. Using the information collected during the bioblitz, the team prioritized plantings on species preferred by fruit-eating birds, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, moose, and pollinators. Additionally, volunteers built wildlife shelters for small mammals and snakes using natural materials collected within the area.
Sustainability measures
To raise public awareness about conservation efforts, Agiro will install an informational sign on-site. They will also place concrete blocks in strategic locations to limit motorized vehicle access. Agiro will monitor the effectiveness of the overall restoration program for three years to track the site’s progress over time, while also addressing any maintenance issues that arise.
The project is funded in part by the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Standards-based Restoration in Action program in collaboration with Microsoft. During a volunteer event this September, Microsoft helped plant nearly 100 plants. Agiro is also receiving support from ecological restoration experts to integrate SER’s International Principles & Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration into the project.
About Agiro
Agiro carries out environmental actions and collaborates on initiatives to protect water and natural ecosystems. Their area of focus is primarily the Saint-Charles River watershed in Québec City. For more information about Agiro’s restoration efforts, visit their website.
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For inquiries
Alexandra Jobin, Communications Project Manager
Agiro
418 849-9844
Microsoft and Agiro employees during the planting day, September 5, 2024
Aerial view of the Mont-Brillant site during planting day, September 5, 2024