Baie de l'Isle-Verte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Designations
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| Official name: Baie de l'Isle-Verte | |
| Designated: | 27 May 1987 |
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| Reference #: | 362 |
Baie de l'Isle-Verte (which means "Green Island Bay" in French) is a special coastal area in Quebec, Canada. It covers about 22.2 square kilometres (8.6 sq mi) along the southern shore of the Saint Lawrence River. This place is a very important wetland, which is an area of land covered by water, like a marsh or swamp.
This bay is recognized internationally for its importance. On May 27, 1987, it became a Ramsar wetland. This means it's a wetland that is important around the world, especially for protecting water birds. It's also known as an Important Bird Area, which means many different kinds of birds live or visit here.
Why Baie de l'Isle-Verte is Special
Baie de l'Isle-Verte is home to a National Wildlife Area and a Migratory Bird Sanctuary. These are protected places where animals, especially birds, can live safely. The bay is located in the area called Rivière-du-Loup Regional County Municipality, in the town of L'Isle-Verte.
Protecting Wildlife and Nature
A large part of this wetland, about 797 hectares, is looked after by the Canadian Wildlife Service. In 1980, 406 hectares of this area became a National Wildlife Area. This was done to protect the unique spartina marshes. These are grassy areas that grow in salty water along the coast.
The intertidal zone of the marsh is very important. This is the part of the shore that is covered by water at high tide and exposed at low tide. It's a key breeding spot for birds like the American black duck and other types of ducks, geese, and swans (which are called Anatidae). Many migratory birds also stop here during their long journeys.
Fun Things to Do and Learn
Baie de l'Isle-Verte is not just for wildlife; it's also a place where people can learn and explore. There are hiking trails where you can walk and enjoy nature. You can also find observation towers to get a better view of the birds and the landscape.
At the Maison Girard Interpretation Centre, you can learn about peatlands and tidal marshes. Peatlands are wetlands where dead plants build up over time, forming a spongy layer called peat. Tidal marshes are wetlands that are regularly flooded by ocean tides. The centre also offers summer school programs, which are great for learning more about this amazing natural area.
