Call for the public to nominate an animal and a plant to represent Sutton!
The Town of Sutton is currently planning festivities to mark, in 2027, the 225th anniversary of the distribution of lots in the Sutton area, as well as the 25th anniversary of the merger between the Town and the Township of Sutton. As part of these celebrations, the Town would like to select, together with its residents, an iconic animal and plant that will serve as future symbols of our community.
The selected animal and plant will be featured in the visuals for the 2027 celebrations. We also hope that these emblems will endure beyond this anniversary.
A three-step selection process
1) Call for public suggestions for an animal and/or plant that symbolizes Sutton
We invite the general public to send us suggestions by July 19 by filling out our online form and following the guidelines listed below:
Each emblem (animal and plant) must:
- Reflects Sutton’s identity;
- Be found in our local flora or fauna;
- Contribute to our sense of pride.
That is why, even if we like the zebra’s stripes or the bird of paradise’s unique appearance, that is not what we want as our official animal or plant!
Any ideas?
To encourage all Sutton residents to share their ideas, we interviewed experts in the field:
Our councillor Marie-José Auclair, who is also a biologist and chair of the board of directors of Corridor appalachien, was eager to share two suggestions—knowing she had plenty more!
Animal: Bicknell’s thrush
Plant: Small-leaved arisaema (jack-in-the-pulpit)
Fourth-grade students from Sutton School were also asked to share their expertise on nature! Together with their teacher, Kelly LeChasseur, they carefully selected an animal and a plant to present to you:
Animal: the North-American river otter
Plant: the Matteuccia ostrich fern
If you are looking for more ideas, feel free to check out :
The Sutton Mountains Bio-Kit, or
The Living Calendar, published in 2025 by the Mount Pinacle Land Trust, which features more than 300 species of native plants, insects, birds, and mammals from our region.
Now it’s your turn!
Please fill out the form by July 19, 2026:
Online form for submitting your suggestions
2) Later this summer: a public vote to choose the iconic animal and plant
We will present you with a list of animals and plants selected by a committee based on the specified criteria. By the end of August, you will be asked to vote for your favorite animal and plant from among the options provided. The animal and plant that receive the most votes will be chosen as the emblems of the Town of Sutton!
More information will be sent to you in July. We are counting on your participation!
3) Official announcement of Sutton’s 2027 animal and plant emblems
The unveiling of the official animal and plant will take place in the 2027 municipal calendar. They will be featured in our promotional materials for celebrations throughout 2027.
As symbols of our municipality, we want both emblems to become part of Sutton’s identity.