Farming for Species at Risk in Quebec
By learning more, we can protect better
When we think of agricultural land, agriculture, farming and ranching, we think of vast golden landscapes, scenic views, cattle and chicken, and red tractors. We may not associate agricultural land with species at risk. However, roaming in fields and flying high in the skies, several species at risk call agricultural lands their homes.
With support from Environment Climate Change Canada, ALUS and its partners (UPA Montérégie and UPA Outaouais-Laurentides) have identified a list of species at risk that have legal protection in Canada (i.e. present in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act) which are present in our Québec ALUS communities of Montérégie and Outaouais.
It is also important to note that these species are at risk throughout all of Canada.
Species at Risk in Quebec
The benefits of species at risk on your farm
Natural Predators
Some species will prey on insects and other species that are a nuisance to crops.
Pollination
Some species will pollinate plants around fields and on fields.
Weed control
Some species will consume unwanted vegetation.
Natural Ecosystem Health Indicator
The presence of some species can indicate a healthy ecosystem, such as in riparian ecosystems.
Farming Practices to Support Species at Risk
1. Cultivate a variety of herbaceous plants that bloom at different times of the season in marginal and riparian areas.
2. Create wide riparian buffers and buffer zones.
3. Adapt your mowing and pasturing practices. Consider delaying hay.
4. Promote and conserve grasslands and forested areas.
5. Restore nesting habitats. Install nesting boxes.
6. Preserve old buildings (especially barns).
Interested in establishing a project for species at risk on your farm? Contact your ALUS Coordinator.
ALUS Delayed Hay Projects
Martin Berger, ALUS Montérégie
(in French with English subtitles)
Victor Drury, ALUS Outaouais
(in French)
Do you have species at risk on your farm?
You have seen species at risk on your farm? We encourage you to report it to your local environmental organisations and provincial entities to increase species at risk knowledge and presence on the landscape.
Report observations of species at risk:
Government of Quebec (in French) >
Interactive Guides
Species at Risk in Montérégie
(Click icon on the bottom right to enlarge)
Learn more : UPA Montérégie Website (in French)
Species at Risk in Outaouais
(Click icon on the bottom right to enlarge)
Learn more : UPA Outaouais-Laurentides Website (in French)
