And there is also the matter of managing the use of the Nature Centre so that the 110,000 annual visitors don't inadvertently widen the paths, damage the undergrowth, leave their garbage or light fires. This is where the path comes full circle back to Martin Lechowicz. For it is his mandate as director of the Gault to create academic interest at McGill in conducting research on the mountain. Over the years, the region has been the focus of almost 500 research publications, but, Lechowicz notes, most relate to a few disciplines biology, geography and geology. Standing in the foyer of the Nature Centre, he makes a mental note to himself to speak to someone in education about the state of natural science in schools.
Nature study seems to be out of fashion.
Lechowicz sees plenty of promise both for the mountain and McGill. Published by the University Relations Office, the Reporter publishes bi-weekly during the academic year and is available throughout McGill's downtown and Macdonald campuses.