Press Review
Throughout this review, you’ll discover key milestones of our project, the evolution of our efforts to protect the Woodland, and collaborations with community members and local partners.
Whether you’re a community member, a curious visitor or an environmental enthusiast, this section allows you to closely follow ABAL’s latest news and achievements.
Welcome to ABAL’s dedicated press review page. This section gathers all articles, reports and media mentions related to our actions and initiatives in support of preserving this exceptional natural space. If you are a journalist or media representative and would like to learn more, feel free to contact us for additional information or to arrange an interview.
April 20248 - Southern Quebec Forestry Association
The Boise Ascot-Lennox: a bridge between citizens and the Ndakina Abenaki
On November 18, the Association for the Boise Ascot-Lennox (ABAL) hosted Yves Landry and Isaak Lachapelle-Gill, two guardians of Ndakina, the ancestral territory of the Abenaki, to raise awareness among citizens about the importance of the link between identity and territory. Through their testimony, they emphasized that the W8banaki still depend on natural environments to maintain their traditional practices. The Ndakina Office, with its land guardians, works to preserve access to ancestral lands and protect cultural sites by negotiating agreements with various stakeholders. This meeting also marks the beginning of a collaboration between ABAL and the W8banaki Nation aimed at protecting the Ascot-Lennox Woodland in perpetuity through a social utility trust, in a collective conservation approach that respects Abenaki values, spearheaded in particular by the new W8banaki Cultural Committee.
October 28, 2024 - Radio-Canada
Boise Ascot-Lennox: an open day to present the project to citizens
The Ascot-Lennox Woodland conservation project is moving forward with a public presentation at an open house organized by Nature Cantons-de-l'Est in collaboration with the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of the Ascot-Lennox Woodland. The goal is to preserve this 280-hectare woodland in Sherbrooke for the long term through protection, restoration, and enhancement measures. One of the main challenges is negotiating with the more than 200 landowners involved. Citizens in attendance emphasized the importance of this project for future generations, particularly the creation of sustainable trails and the restriction of motorized vehicle access.
October 27, 2024 - Estrie News
A Woody One to Keep
In the Estrie newscast broadcast on Sunday, October 27, 2024, the segment "A Woodland to Preserve" (starting at 3:41) immerses viewers in the beauty and importance of our region's wooded areas. This compelling report reminds us how crucial the conservation of these natural environments is for our quality of life, biodiversity, and our collective future. A must-see for anyone who shares a vision of sustainable development and environmental commitment!
October 24, 2024 - Sherbrooke.info
Boise Ascot-Lennox: an important step for the future of conservation
The Ascot-Lennox Woodland Conservation Project, launched by Nature Cantons-de-l'Est in collaboration with local elected officials and the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of the Ascot-Lennox Woodland (APVBAL), aims to protect the 280 hectares of this natural environment, rich in biodiversity and cherished by the community. The first step of the project involves raising public awareness and initiating discussions with the numerous private landowners to explore partnerships or voluntary acquisitions. Stéphane Tanguay, Executive Director of Nature Cantons-de-l'Est, emphasizes the importance of respecting private property, allowing for gradual conservation based on the landowners' interests. This woodland, located between Ascot and Lennoxville, is seen as an essential green space for the community, even inspiring the idea of becoming Sherbrooke's "Central Park." A public event is planned for October 27 to engage the community and detail the project's phases.
October 23, 2024 - The Record
Public invited to learn about Ascot-Lennox Woodland conservation project
On October 27, Nature Cantons-de-l'Est, in partnership with the City of Sherbrooke and the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of the Ascot-Lennox Woods (LabVal), is organizing an event to launch the Ascot-Lennox Woods conservation project. This project aims to protect this 280-hectare natural area, Sherbrooke's largest green space, rich in fauna, flora, wetlands, and waterways, which contribute to flood control and air purification. The event, which will take place at the Amédée-Beaudoin Community Centre in Lennoxville, will feature presentations and panel discussions to inform the public about the project's protection, restoration, and governance aspects, while encouraging citizen participation.
October 22, 2024 - La Tribune
The plans for the Ascot-Lennox woodland have been made public.
On October 22, Nature Cantons-de-l'Est (NCE) and the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of the Boise Ascot-Lennox (APVBAL), in collaboration with the City of Sherbrooke, publicly presented their plans for the conservation of the Ascot-Lennox woodland. NCE hopes to acquire land or establish conservation easements to preserve this 280-hectare urban space, adjacent to the Phare International School. The partners are also considering developing a multi-use trail connecting Ascot and Lennox. A larger public launch is planned for October 27 to raise awareness among the community.
May 11, 2024 - Here Estrie
With her salary increase, Christine Labrie wants to protect Sherbrooke's urban woodlands
Sherbrooke MNA Christine Labrie has donated $18,000 to the Association for the Protection and Enhancement of the Ascot-Lennox Woods to support the creation of a social purpose trust dedicated to protecting Sherbrooke's urban woodlands. This donation follows her commitment to redistribute the salary increase granted to MNAs in 2023. Labrie hopes this trust will ensure the long-term protection of urban natural spaces, such as the Ascot-Lennox Woods, for future generations.
