Professor of Biology, Division Director of Sciences, University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne Natural History Section Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States
Location: This field trip will meet at the Main Entrance of the convention center (look for a table with a Field Trip sign) before walking to the bus to depart.
Trip Overview: Considering Montreal's southern status in Canada, its island membership in an archipelago, and its elevation features surrounding Mount Royal, ecologists would predict high biodiversity for this latitude. Indeed, Montreal hosts over 1500 vertebrate, plant, and macroinvertebrate species. Come explore some of the urban hotspots of biodiversity with the Natural History Section of ESA. In the morning we'll visit one of the best birding hotspots in Montreal, an area known as Technoparc, an urban wetland surrounded by industrial development. Although it is under heavy pressure from a busy city, proponents continue to protect the environs for its unique birds, plants, and monarch fields. Species of hawks, vireos, warblers, and others have been seen in this area during August. During a two hour walk we'll also stop for macrophytes, butterflies (at the milkweed field), and other species you might record for INaturalist and the Biodiversity Challenge sponsored by ESA. For lunch and in the afternoon explore with us Bois de Liesse, a 159 ha park featuring mature deciduous forest (century old trees) including rare black maple for a stretch of the legs (0.7 km, the 1,7 km or 3 km loops available). This will also include a leisurely 2 hour hike meant to encourage species exploration, time outside, and making new friends among other natural history buffs.
Equipment and Attire: Two walks of 2 hours each with a few moderate elevation changes can be expected. Bring binoculars and a phone with a camera if you want to take part in the Biodiversity Challenge. We'll supply lunch and bus transportation.
