Protect
NATURE
HEALTHY PARKS (PARCS en Santé) is conducting research in six natural parks near cities in Quebec. Our goal is to conserve biodiversity and reduce health risks for park visitors.
The natural parks located near urban zones are not only sanctuaries for our fauna and flora, they are also our precious allies. They allow us to reconnect with nature and contribute to our health and well-being.
These habitats are fragile. Urban sprawl, agriculture and industrial activities put increasing pressure on biodiversity. Climate change favours the presence of ticks that can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, present in southern Quebec. Forest regeneration is threatened both by the overgrazing from abundant white-tailed deer populations and by the high frequency of park usage.
Our research team uses a One Health approach which views human, animal and environmental health as interconnected. The three main themes of the project are: ticks and their pathogens, white-tailed deer and the restoration of ecosystems, and citizen science.
More than 300 engaged citizens are making a difference
Citizen science, which allows non-scientific individuals to become involved in research, has shown to be effective in fostering pro-environmental behaviors. Could it help to better protect us against ticks and increase awareness of natural park preservation ?
More than 300 citizens from different parks signed up to take part in the project during the spring of 2025. Participating citizens contribute to the project during the summers of 2025 and 2026 by taking part in workshops and collecting data.
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Spending time in nature brings many health benefits. For those living in urban areas in particular, having access to parks is especially important. But spending time in nature can also increase the risk of tick exposure and our activities can have negative impacts on some habitats and the species that live there.
Improving tick-borne disease prevention while protecting nature in Quebec’s natural parks requires significant participation on behalf of park users. These individuals play a key role in the creation and implementation of sustainable solutions, both to improve health and to preserve these habitats.
Which parks are participating in the project?
The HEALTHY PARKS (PARCS en santé) project takes place in six nature parks located in urban or peri-urban regions of Montreal, Montérégie and Estrie
