Renaturalization in Pierrefonds-Roxboro: A New Era for Green Spaces
Determined to play a key role in the ecological transition, the Borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro has been restoring green spaces and riverbanks in public parks since 2023, implementing responsible practices in accordance with the Ministry of the Environment’s requirements.
The Borough adheres to and implements the provincial environmental quality law (policy for the protection of shores, coastlines, and floodplains), which stipulates the permitted and prohibited interventions within the first 10 to 15 meters of the shore.
As a result, plots of land that were once grassy and devoid of their native vegetation, or regularly mowed, have been transformed into urban meadows where wild and local species now flourish. These renaturalized areas, where indigenous plants have been sown and mowing has been reduced or stopped, promote the development of local fauna and flora, increase biodiversity, and help revitalize ecosystems that have been altered or destroyed by human activity.
To counteract shoreline erosion along the Rivière des Prairies, renaturalization initiatives have also been undertaken in some of our riverside parks. By restoring these spaces to their natural state, we contribute to stabilizing the soil and slowing the erosion that has accelerated in recent years.
It should be noted that these spaces are maintained. Functional mowing is carried out at certain times to limit the spread of invasive species or to delineate pathways.
These renaturalization initiatives are beneficial in multiple ways:
Meadows and diversified flora enhance climate resilience by absorbing carbon, regulating the local climate, and mitigating the damage caused by floods and other adverse effects of extreme weather events.
Increased presence of flora stabilizes soils, reduces erosion, and promotes natural water filtration, thereby improving water quality for both residents and local wildlife.
They create rich and harmonious natural areas conducive to relaxation, contemplation, and outdoor activities for residents.
They promote urban biodiversity by providing varied and suitable habitats for local species.
They support a diversity of plants that benefit pollinating insects, thereby contributing to the preservation of these essential species within the ecosystem.
Defining Various Renaturalization Initiatives
Ecological restoration involves rehabilitating an ecosystem by promoting the growth and spread of native plant species, often through the planting of wildflower seeds, plants, and trees. This aims to support pollinators and regenerate spaces towards a more authentic natural state.
Ecological lawn diversification involves introducing new species or varieties of plants into specific areas to promote increased biodiversity. This practice involves selecting plants that enrich the local ecosystem by providing new habitats and supporting a greater variety of animal and plant species.
Natural regeneration is the process where nature spontaneously returns to its natural state without direct human intervention. This encourages the autonomous growth of plants, trees, and other living organisms, respecting ecological cycles and local conditions.
Adapted green space management is a strategic approach that favors the regeneration of specific areas while controlling the spread of harmful or undesirable species. This can include interventions such as more spaced-out mowing, tailored to local ecological needs, to maintain and enhance biodiversity while ensuring the functionality and aesthetic appeal of public green spaces.
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