Field learning is a rewarding experience within the academic journey, serving as a necessary complement to the classroom and laboratory.
Research projects
Every year, numerous scientists explore the forests of Mont Saint-Hilaire and use our laboratories.
Impacts of white-tailed deer browsing on white trillium
Long-term project of the Gault Nature Reserve
Affiliation: McGill University
Start date: 2006
Research area: Gault Nature Reserve
As climate warms, mice morph
Researcher: Prof. Virginie Millien
Affiliation: McGill University
Start date: 2007
Research area: Gault Nature Reserve
Finding Common Ground: How Hikers Influence White-Tailed Deer Space-Use Patterns in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Frédérique Truchon, M.Sc.
Supervisors: Prof. Virginie Millien and Prof. Martin-Hugues Saint-Laurent
Affiliation: McGill University and Université du Québec à Rimouski
Start date: 2018
Research area: Gault Nature Reserve
Field courses
Teaching thrives at the Gault Nature Reserve. Classes are lively and students can acquire practical and theoretical skills in various fields of study.
Ecology and Behaviour
Ecology and Behaviour
BIOL 331 — 3
Biology (Sci): Field course in methods of sampling natural populations.Testing hypotheses in nature.
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
GEOG 495 — 3
Geography (Sci): Field research projects in physical geography.
Monteregian Flora
Monteregian Flora
BIOL 240 — 3
Biology (Sci): Field studies of ferns, fern allies, conifers, and flowering plants; the use of keys for plant identification.
Bibliography
The first scientific studies on Mont Saint-Hilaire date back to 1859, with pioneers such as Sir John W. Dawson, T. Sterry Hunt, and Brother Marie-Victorin exploring its vast forests.
Complete bibliography
The wealth of studies on Mont Saint-Hilaire is reflected in over 400 scientific articles, nearly 100 master's and doctoral theses, more than 50 reports, and approximately 30 chapters or books dedicated to its exploration.
Summer work experience
The Gault Nature Reserve hosts McGill University students every summer for a paid fieldwork experience. This opportunity allows them to cultivate skills and gain diverse knowledge in conservation, research, natural habitat management, and customer service.
Niamh Stafford
Intern in 2023
When asked to describe her internship experience in one word, Niamh answered:
"Productive. Our tasks were different daily, and we accomplished so much in so little time. It's been incredibly rewarding to be a part of this team and see our work's impact."
Egor Katkov
INTERN IN 2014
Nature, human connection and science: these are the words Egor Katkov used to describe his internship at McGill University’s Gault Nature Reserve.
Ellen Bidulka
INTERN IN 2019
“I learned that I really love working in conservation."
If you want to inspire future scientists and help other students have a rewarding experience, you can support the Gault Nature Reserve.
