{"id":23007,"date":"2026-04-21T08:53:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T12:53:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourismebrome-missisquoi.ca\/blogue\/pens-initiatives-durables\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T13:23:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T17:23:54","slug":"pens-initiatives-durables","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourismebrome-missisquoi.ca\/en\/blogue\/pens-initiatives-durables\/","title":{"rendered":"Parc d\u2019environnement naturel de Sutton: A True Nature-Friendly Destination"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Parc d\u2019environnement naturel de\u00a0Sutton<\/a> (PENS) is a vast natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. We spoke to Michelle Besr\u00e9, a PENS coordinator, to learn more about what measures have been carried out to protect this precious space.<\/p>\n

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How did the PENS come to adopt a sustainable development approach?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Michelle Besr\u00e9, Communications, Reception and Customer Service Coordinator, explains that the event of the pandemic prompted a genuine reflection around the importance of working towards truly sustainable development projects. \u201cThroughout this period, hiking really went mainstream and everyone was getting into it! This, in itself, is a good thing, but we were now dealing with people who weren\u2019t necessarily very familiar with the rules of conduct in the great outdoors, not to mention the fact that visitor traffic was skyrocketing.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\nA four-season park
\nCredits GouvQc_Ian Roberge – Caroline Lachapelle – R\u00e9my Ogez<\/em><\/p>\n

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What are the key sustainable initiatives that you\u2019ve implemented?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cFirstly, on busy trails, a one-way hiking system was introduced to prevent trails from widening and deteriorating prematurely,\u201d answers Michelle Besr\u00e9. \u201cAs well, dogs are only allowed on some of the trails, thereby helping to protect endangered flora and fauna.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs for how the trail network is developed, the PENS prioritizes the use of local materials such as wood and stone. Illustrated signs have been put up by the trailheads and in the shelters to raise awareness with visitors about adopting responsible practices. The PENS also posts these practices, as well as several safety tips on its website. She clarifies her point with examples such as \u201cDon\u2019t walk off the trails, don\u2019t feed the wildlife, respect other hikers, etc.\u201d<\/p>\n

Furthermore, to encourage visitors to explore less-hiked trails than, for example, the Round Top, the website offers several different route suggestions<\/a> we normally wouldn\u2019t have thought of trying.<\/p>\n

In 2023, the park purchased a Jo\u00eblette specialized, all-terrain, one-wheeled chair. This vehicle was designed to allow people with reduced mobility or motor disabilities to head out and explore any type of terrain. It requires at least two accompanying guides (or pilots) to operate. At the P.E.N.S., our volunteers are proud and ready to take charge of this accompaniment, making these inclusive outings<\/a> possible. Indeed, a great way to promote both nature accessibility and social inclusion.<\/p>\n

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