Everyone is invited to celebrate biodiversity with Deschênes Park Alliance’s Forest Festival

Sophie Demers 

The Deschênes Park Alliance (DPA) is having their second annual Deschênes Forest Festival to celebrate the forest, its biodiversity, and the organization’s work to conserve it.

The event will take place on Sunday, September 24, weather permitting, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm in the parking lot across from 100 Fraser. If the weather forces organizers to postpone the event, it will be moved to October 1.

The festival will feature a kiosk for the future heritage park Deschênes that the DPA have been working toward, the conservation, and what the forest offers to the area. There will also be guided visits to some of the areas in the forest. A photo and drawing competition will be launched, and cake will be served.

According to Lucie Metras, president of DPA’s administrative committee, the details of the photo/drawing competition will be announced at the event.  Later, submissions will be chosen for their calendar, and the photo included in their newsletter.

“The event is open to all ages. We are excited to celebrate with those who have a love for the Deschênes forest and with those who want to learn more about it,” said Metras.

The Deschênes Park Alliance is a non-profit organization with the mission to conserve and enhance the park's biodiversity and natural habitats, while ensuring its recreational and educational role. The park is a natural site located between Chemin Fraser and the Deschênes Rapids, including Conroy Island.