Around 200 people attended the 30th anniversary celebrations hosted by the non-profit organization Les Amis de la Réserve Nationale de Faune du Lac Saint-François on September 23, marking its three decades of wetland conservation in Dundee.
The founder and current president of the NPO, Denis Gervais, gave an emotional speech in which he spoke of those involved in the creation of the organization and the work to sustain and develop the reserve over the years.
Dundee’s mayor, Linda Gagnon, spoke fondly of the organization’s perseverance, while inviting those in attendance to talk about the site. The event was also attended by Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille, Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette, and several members of the board of directors. Visitors were also treated to a speech by TVA journalist and anchor Sophie Thibault, who is an avid wildlife and landscape photographer. Bird lover and actor Pierre Verville also addressed the crowd.
Before unveiling the new logo for the organization, general manager Karina LeClair presented Gervais and vice-president Serge Bourdon with a print of artist John Ryan’s painting that was commissioned by the municipality for the welcome sign to Dundee. Ryan thanked both men for their work and their inspiring dedication to the site. (SR)
