Citizen Spring at the Jardin botanique Espace pour la vie is offering, in cooperation with external organizations, four weekends of free activities at the Jardin botanique’s Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion, an inviting, dynamic and lively space for meetings and exchanges. In April, reconnect with nature and take the opportunity to explore, create or exchange with others, while gearing up to take concrete action towards the socio-ecological transition and the protection of biopersity. April 12 - Consuming Differently - Day 1 Want to do your bit for the environment? Think about being a better consumer! Take advantage of this day filled with activities that focus on the importance of eco-friendly consumption through simple and effective actions you can take on a daily basis. Program The animation team offers a continuous flow of guided tours of the arboretum and a series of fun activities for all ages in the Nature Hive. 10 am to noon - All-natural! Story Time for the Family Courtesy of Pouce Carré Get set for a fun-filled moment of relaxation as you discover books that put trees and nature in the spotlight! Join Pouce Carré’s animators, who will read amusing children’s stories and present fascinating documentaries that will help you better understand and appreciate the environment! A table full of reading suggestions for all ages will be set up. Youngsters, teens and adults alike will be able to find a reading suggestion that will pique their curiosity and nurture their love of reading. In French. Activity presented outdoors (indoors in case of rain) 10:30 am to 12:30 pm - Kiosk: The Alchemists Courtesy of Joan Laur’s Lab, IRBV Come and cook up some science-based recipes to learn more about edible insects, compost, materials made from mushrooms, and the many benefits of plants. Bilingual 11 am to noon - Making Traditional Corn Cakes Courtesy of Jacques T. Watso, gourmet and Indigenous heritage entrepreneur Learn how to make Abenaki corn cakes in this hands-on workshop by delving into the history of this essential food and its place in Abenaki culture. Accompanied by traditional Abenaki singing and a discussion on the contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples. In French. Up to 50 people 1 to 2:30 pm – Forest Bathing for Families Courtesy of Geneviève Labrie-Desbiens, psycho-educator and forest bathing guide Forest bathing for families offers a series of activities to connect with nature, but in a playful way in the form of games. This activity for parents and children alike is designed to provoke a sense well-being, calm the nervous system, and connect you to nature, to oneself and to others. This activity also fosters the parent-child bond through nature. In French. Families (ages 5 and up). Up to 12 people 1 to 4 pm - Continuous Bonsai Demonstration Courtesy of the Société de Bonsaï et de Penjing de Montréal Have you always been a tad curious about miniature trees? Come and discover the world of bonsai and penjing through a continuous demonstration on a potted tree. You’ll be able to see the work involved, and chat with a bonsai expert on site who will be happy to answer any questions you may have! Don’t miss it! In French 2 to 4 pm – Basket-weaving Workshop Courtesy of La Ruche d’art Yéléma Basket-weaving is the art of weaving plant fibers into baskets and other objects. Starting from a simple base, participants will be guided by artists Hélène Généreux and YanYee Poon in the creation of a small basket using various plants harvested in Montreal. Bilingual. General public and families (accompanied children) 2 to 4 pm - Workshop: The Art of Bonsai for Adults Courtesy of the Société de Bonsaï et de Penjing de Montréal In this introductory workshop to the art of bonsai, a bonsai expert will introduce you to tree care and basic bonsai cultivation techniques. You get to take home a miniature tree! All materials included! In French. For Adults. Up to 10 people 2:30 to 3:30 pm - Discover the Invisible: Interdependencies Courtesy of the Jardin botanique animation team We have special relationships with the living beings around us, and now’s the time to take notice! During this animation, come move around with us and discuss the links that connect us to each other and to our environment. Find out how interdependence is important for tomorrow's socio-ecological transition! Bilingual. General public, 10 and up. Up to 15 people 3 to 4:30 pm - A Walk Among the Trees Courtesy of the Friends of the Jardin botanique de Montréal Love the trees at the Jardin botanique? Join a volunteer guide on a hike and learn more about the awesome features of this majestic urban forest! Put on your walking shoes and come spend some time in nature. In French. For all; children must be accompanied by an adult. Up to 20 people