DESTINATION -Gladstone made in a nature reserve

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DESTINATION -Gladstone made in a nature reserve with an area of 52 hectares of land that will serve the recreational, educational and environmental purposes. On North 15th Street (the street across Gibbys). In the area of wetlands known as a valuable habitat areas for wildlife, nesting for waterfowl, and many other species. Preservation and restoration of this wetland area will provide protection of water quality and wildlife in the area. Gladstone Community Development Director Howard Haulotte, who has been involved in the project for several years, said the goal is to take advantage of educational and recreational opportunities provided by the wetland areas, while ensuring wetland and wildlife that inhabit them are protected and preserved.

The idea to create a nature reserve was brought up in a meeting of community development in 2002. Followed by community development work on the operation of funding. Haulotte said an important part of the project will be fully funded grants, which means that no local tax money will be used.

In the year 2006 the first project receives funding. Funds are used to form a gravel parking area and install two gates on the preserve.

In 2007, a Boy Scout troop-install osprey nesting platforms. This year, Delta Waterfowl Foundation installed two nesting boxes for ducks, creating a better environment and future for the original water fowling.

Also, this year, receiving community development funds that allow hiring a company to remove several acres buck thorn, invasive plant species. While signs have been installed around the area warning motorists not to preserve the past. Haulotte says, in the past, there have been problems with four-wheeled vehicles and ATV riding through the area and destroy wetlands and some installations, such as the fence.

Part of the road or trail has been installed by using eco-friendly trail mix, and Eagle Scout Ben Fournier build a platform to see the location as part of the Scout project.

Although the project is still in its early stages, the public are welcome to use the area now.

"We really want to let people know that we're working on the reservation, that there will be more additions in the future and that they can come out and use what is there now," says Haulotte. "There are many things we want to do, what will we do when we get the funding."

Future goals to preserve nature, including environmentally friendly toilet building near the parking lot and planting native tree species, such as white spruce and tamarack responsibility where spines have been removed.

In addition, the current path will be extended to the north, between the highway and swamp areas. This road will also connect with a dock to be built in the swamp to the south. Haulotte said they hope to have about 1,500 meters from the docks in one area and another 4,000-5,000 feet or pier in other areas. They also plan to strategically place benches and picnic tables throughout the preserve, and install directional and information signage.

Signage will give local schools the opportunity to use as a nature reserve outside the classroom, says Haulotte. It will also be a place where residents can come to exercise and enjoy nature, and hopefully will become popular tourist attractions.