Conservation organization Appalachian Corridor is hosting the very first edition of its \u201cOpen House Days\u201d on July 7 and 8 with the goal of raising awareness around the importance of preserving the natural environments of the Eastern Townships and developing a sustainable relationship with nature.<\/p>\n
While Appalachian Corridor typically works one-on-one with private landowners that want put their land in conservation, the organization wanted to provide the wider public with the opportunity to discover its work, the different steps that are involved in developing a conservation project, and the environmental concerns that are facing the region. A variety of activities, conferences, and kiosks will be offered on site by a number of professionals and experts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As the region\u2019s natural landscapes face new pressures, offering these experiences to the public are necessary to informing citizens about the environmental issues facing their communities and encouraging them to take action in the face of a climate crisis, according to M\u00e9lanie Leli\u00e8vre, executive director of Appalachian Corridor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis is our first edition because we are motivated to get in touch with a larger public. We are really in a crisis, a biodiversity crisis and a climate change crisis. It\u2019s time to discuss these issues more widely by not just explaining the problems, but giving people solutions, showcase to them how they can make a difference in their community and in their day-to-day lives,\u201d explained Leli\u00e8vre. \u201cIt\u2019s a way to get in touch with them and [lead them to action.] The more people that are aware and take action towards these issues, we will have more of an impact, more success, and we will [limit] the problems and the threats that are actually present on our magnificent territory.\u201d<\/p>\n Leli\u00e8vre added that the Eastern Townships is known for its \u201cincredible, nice, and very important\u201d natural habitats and landscapes. However, these natural environments are facing pressure as more people seek to move to the region, making awareness and providing educational opportunities are important now more than ever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an area that is craved, everyone wants to come and live in the Eastern Townships. People from Montreal can now work from their home. We have nice landscapes, we have nice views, lakes, but it\u2019s important that people understand where they are and what the ecological issues are,\u201d she said. \u201c(\u2026) It\u2019s just to showcase different angles of how nature is important for artists, authors, for doctors, and so on. It\u2019s a celebration of nature.\u201d<\/p>\n In a former interview with CIDI, Leli\u00e8vre highlighted that many people are interested in conserving their land, but oftentimes they do not have the information they need to get started, something that the organization also hopes to address through its Open House Days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an open house so people can come in, visit us, ask questions. We will have kiosks on the species at risk, the science we are conducting, the conservation projects - where to start and how it works - and general information. We will also have a kiosk represented by the affiliated members. So different local organizations will be there, some located on different parts of the territory, to share with people what they are doing and where they are working,\u201d she said. \u201cPeople can enjoy the activities, the music, the activities for kids (\u2026) but get informed as well to know what they can do and how they can be involved.\u201d<\/p>\n Appalachian Corridor\u2019s Open House Day will have a birdwatching field-trip in a protected area, encounters with predatory birds, a focus on species of special status in the Eastern Townships territory, and more.<\/p>\n \u201cUsually it\u2019s landowners that call us and invite us to visit their piece of land, this time it\u2019s kind of the opposite. We are [reversing] the trend and inviting the community into our home. We hope that we will have a lot of people and that it\u2019s going to be a success,\u201d said Leli\u00e8vre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n