Based in Montreal, McGill University is one of Canada's best-known institutions of higher learning and one of the leading universities in the world. 

McGill University

Student Microforest

This no-mow zone was implemented in May 2026 as part of McGill's Biodiversity Plan. A no-mow zone is an area managed for biodiversity by reducing the frequency of mowing to allow the existing plants to grow.  

This technique supports the growth of native plants, the establishment of trees and shrubs, and the provision of food and shelter for local biodiversity. As it grows, this vegetation helps cool the area, improve soil health, and retain water, making our campus more resilient to a changing climate. 

No-mow zone

Jardin de fleurs indigènes planté en mai 2026

Barton Buzz Patch

Cet exclos, construit en 2023, protège la végétation du broutement par le cerf de Virginie. La forte densité de cerfs dans le sud du Québec empêche souvent les jeunes arbres de pousser. À l’intérieur de l’exclos, nous observons comment la forêt se régénère naturellement, sans l’impact du broutement.

La Réserve naturelle Gault, propriété de l'Université McGill depuis 1958, est une station de recherche située à Mont-Saint-Hilaire (QC) qui protège plus de 1 000 hectares de milieux naturels.

Built in 2023, this exclosure protects vegetation from browsing by white-tailed deer. In southern Québec, high deer populations often prevent young trees from growing. Inside the exclosure, we observe how the forest regenerates naturally without the impact of browsing.

The Gault Nature Reserve, owned by McGill University since 1958, is a research station located at Mont-Saint-Hilaire (QC) that protects more than 1,000 hectares of natural habitats.

Exclos de cerfs à la Réserve naturelle Gault

This garden was planted in May 2026 with the assistance of Jardin Buzz , a local nonprofit that transforms urban spaces into vibrant pollinator gardens. It sits across from McGill University’s Gardner Hall by Upper Residences, and features a variety of native plants, creating a habitat for pollinators at the foot of Mount Royal.  

This pollinator garden is an example of an active biodiversity zone that was implemented as part of McGill's Biodiversity Plan. These zones create new sources of nectar, pollen, seeds, and habitat for local wildlife.  

Upper Residences Flower Meadow

Ce site situé sur la berge du lac Hertel fait l’objet d’un suivi à long terme de la végétation dans un secteur où le roseau commun (Phragmites australis) est présent. Depuis près d’une décennie, des efforts soutenus de contrôle de cette espèce envahissante sont menés sur place afin de limiter sa dominance et de favoriser la récupération des communautés végétales indigènes. Le suivi photographique permet de documenter l’évolution du site au fil du temps, notamment les changements dans la couverture végétale et les signes de reprise de la végétation native à la suite des interventions.

La Réserve naturelle Gault de l’Université McGill, propriété de l’Université McGill depuis 1958, est une station de recherche située à Mont-Saint-Hilaire (QC) qui protège plus de 1 000 hectares de milieux naturels.

This site on the shores of Lake Hertel is part of a long-term vegetation monitoring effort in an area where common reed (Phragmites australis) is present. For nearly a decade, sustained control efforts have been carried out on site to reduce the dominance of this invasive species and support the recovery of native plant communities. Repeated photographic monitoring documents how the site is changing over time, including shifts in vegetation cover and signs of native plant recolonization following management actions.

Berge du lac Hertel / Lake Hertel Shore

This garden was planted in May 2026 with the assistance of Jardin Buzz , a local nonprofit that transforms urban spaces into vibrant pollinator gardens. It sits just in front of the McLennan library, facing directly onto Sherbrooke St W. It is in a unique shaded area, and features more woodland and low-light native plants.  

This pollinator garden is an example of an active biodiversity zone that was implemented as part of McGill's Biodiversity Plan. These zones create new sources of nectar, pollen, seeds, and habitat for local wildlife. 

McLennan Library Shade Garden

This location was chosen to log change over weeks, seasons and years to provide a snapshot of the Morgan Arboretum's scenery over different time scales. The multi-temporal changes are to be observed through summer variation in grasses and flowering plants in the foreground, snow accumulation/thaw cycles, the effects of the removal of European Buckthorn at the base of the conifers on their health, and to observe the seasonal deciduous tree colour changes. 

For more information on the Morgan Arboretum, see our website.

Morgan Arboretum

This garden was planted on McGill University’s Macdonald Campus in May 2026 with the assistance of Jardin Buzz , a local nonprofit that transforms urban spaces into vibrant pollinator gardens. It lines Lakeshore Drive, creating a colorful strip of blooms along the road by the entrance to Macdonald Campus.  

McGill University

Quebec

9 chronologs managed by McGill University

No-mow zone

Barton Buzz Patch

Morgan Arboretum

Berge du lac Hertel / Lake Hertel Shore

Upper Residences Flower Meadow

Exclos de cerfs à la Réserve naturelle Gault

Student Microforest

Mac Campus Showcase Garden

McLennan Library Shade Garden

About McGill University

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