The Biosphere Field Trip is an educational program designed to foster passing on scientific research knowledge and Indigenous teachings to school-age youth from the Pessamit and Manicouagan area. On an outing in the company of a biology expert and an Innu guide, students discover (or rediscover) the flora and fauna of the Manicouagan landscape in the Uapishka (Groulx) Mountains, while learning about some of the Innu culture in the heart of Nitassinan. With a stay at the Uapishka Station, the field trip can become even more immersive.
The end purpose of this educational activity is to heighten public awareness and encourage people to contribute to the conservation of the ecosystems in the Uapishka Biodiversity Reserve.
Here’s the story of the first Biosphere Field Trip adventure:
In the summer of 2023, the first group of secondary V students from École secondaire Serge-Bouchard, in Baie-Comeau had the opportunity to experience the first Biosphere Field Trip at the Uapishka Station. The students climbed Mount Harfang to learn more about the unique plant life of the Uapishka (Groulx) Mountains and put their senses to the test to identify certain bird songs along the way. For many of the students, the nature hike was their first experience of the mountains.
The first edition of Biosphere Field Trip was funded by the Government of Québec under its Climate Action program and is in line with the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy objectives. The project was also made possible through a financial contribution from Québec’s Ministry of Tourism as part of a partnership to create and facilitate the Sustainable Northern Tourism Initiative.
Read the story of the first Biosphere Field Trip adventure by clicking here. [in French only]
