Teaching and research are essential activities at the Gault Nature Reserve. The special nature of the mountain, its rich scientific history, its proximity to Montreal, its accommodations and its teaching and research facilities make it an exceptional venue for academic and scientific activities.
Plan a research project
Planning your fieldwork
You must submit an online application to the Gault Nature Reserve before starting your fieldwork. Your application will be reviewed by the Executive Committee of the Reserve for approval.
To apply:
- Fill out the Research Application form. This form is also used for all housing, equipment, or support requests.
- If you wish to stay overnight, please also fill the Lodging Form to get a quote.
- The form will be forwarded to the Reserve staff, and you will be notified by email when your project is approved.
Note: The Research Application Form is used to keep records of all research activity on the Reserve. These data are important to support future research projects.
Once your project is approved
Please submit a signed Research Agreement to the Reserve staff and familiarize yourself with the Research Guide before your first visit.
Access to data
- For more information on Mont Saint-Hilaire's biodiversity, consult our species lists.
- For scientific data please contact us at science@reservegault.ca.
Bibliography of past research
Consult the list of publications to know more about past research taking place at Gault Nature Reserve.
Gault Research Awards
Gault Nature Reserve takes pride in supporting research endeavors. Research projects offer a rewarding experience and serve as a significant stepping stone for the academic and professional growth of students.
The Gault Research Awards program funds projects at Gault Nature Reserve (Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC) or at the Wilder and Helen Penfield Nature Conservation (Lac Memphrémagog, QC).
We are currently taking applications for 2024. Learn more about the application process.
Due date: April 5, 2024
For more information regarding application deadlines, project development, or to confirm eligibility and relevance, please reach out to us at: science@reservegault.ca.
Quantifying the form and function of aquatic plants in Southern Quebec
Lindsay Trottier, Ph.D.
Supervisors: Prof. Lars Iversen
Affiliation: McGill University
Start date: 2023
Research area: Lake Hertel (Gault Nature Reserve) and Lake Memphrémagog (Wilder and Helen Penfield Nature Conservancy)
Projects funded by the Gault Research Awards
Adaptation to Multiple Simultaneous Stressors in Freshwater Bacterioplankton
Akhil Sanjay Kholwadwala, Ph.D.
Supervisors: Prof. Rowan Barrett and Prof. Jesse Shapiro
Affiliation: McGill University
Start date: 2023
Research area: Large Experimental Array of Ponds
A Case Study on Ticks and Lyme Disease: Exploring the Impacts of Humans on Wildlife, Ecosystem Health and Disease Risk.
Kari Hollett, M.Sc.
Supervisor: Prof. Virginie Millien
Affiliation: McGill University
Start date: 2021
Research area: Gault Nature Reserve
Monitoring the Effects of Herbicides on Bacterioplankton
Emma Derrick, M.Sc.
Supervisor: Prof. Jesse Shapiro
Affiliation: McGill University
Start date: 2022
Research area: LEAP
Using Drones and Thermal Imagery to Estimate White-Tailed Deer Overpopulation on Mont Saint-Hilaire
Savannah Bissegger O'Connor, B.Sc.
Supervisors: Dr. Tim Elrick and Prof. Jeffrey Cardille
Affiliation: McGill University
Start date: 2021
Research area: Gault Nature Reserve
Assessing the Impact of Surrounding Microbial Community Interactions on Rhizobium Following Herbicide Stress
Maxime Guglielmetti, B.Sc.
Supervisor: Prof. Rowan Barrett
Affiliation: McGill University
Start date: 2022
Research area: LEAP
The Effect of Contaminants on Mercury Buildup in Aquatic Food Webs
Maude Lachapelle, Ph.D.
Supervisors: Prof. Irene Gregory-Eaves et Dr. Zofia Taranu
Affiliation: McGill University and Environment and Climate Change Canada
Start date: 2021
Research area: Lac Hertel
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