The Forêt d'Orient Regional Nature Park aims to preserve the fragile biological balance of the territory it covers. It constitutes a site of major ornithological interest, with more than 250 bird species observed on its lakes. The great egret (Ardea alba), a wading bird and the tallest of all herons, dwells in the area. It almost disappeared in the 19th and early 20th centuries because of the massive use of its long white feathers by hatters.