Vieux-Arbres Ecological Reserve

IUCN Category Ia - Strict Nature Reserve

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The Réserve écologique of Vieux- Arbres is a 3.64 -hectare sanctuary in the western Canadian province of Quebec, comprising three islands in Lac Duparquet.

The park protects part of the protected area system of the province of the local stocks of the Western Tree of Life, which shall take more than 800 years as the oldest specimens of this species in eastern North America. However, they are only 4.6 m high on average and mainly develop cripple forms. For their survival fire appear to play a significant role.

In addition to the outstanding nature, there are mainly Banks pines and American Red pine (Pinus resinosa Aiton ), as well as paper birch and black spruce.

Dendrochronological studies have shown that in the 13th century, a period of significant drought in the summers can be observed, and that since the end of the 19th century increased the moisture.