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 biodiversity. April 11 | 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 Jardin botanique team offers books, games, and creative activities for everyone on an ongoing basis. 10 am to noon - Au naturel! Story Time for the Whole Family Courtesy of Pouce Carré Enjoy a fun and relaxing moment as you discover books that celebrate trees and nature! Join the Pouce carré facilitators, who will read entertaining children’s stories and present fascinating documentaries that will help you better understand and appreciate the environment! New for 2026: a table packed with reading suggestions for all ages General public and families In French only 10 am to noon - Introduction to Basket Weaving Courtesy of La ruche d’art Yéléma Come and make a pretty little basket from plants gathered in Montreal. All are welcome! General public and families (5 years and older) Up to 30 people In French only 10:30 am to noon - Guided Tour: The Arboretum in Spring Courtesy of the Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden The Arboretum’s tree collection allows visitors to admire the awakening of nature in spring. Come (re)discover this space through the eyes and stories of our passionate volunteer guides! This activity is offered by the Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. General public and families Up to 15 people In French only 11 am to 2 pm - Territory on the Move Courtesy of Ample Man Danse Come join the dance in the great outdoors! In this entirely natural choreographic space, Ample Man Danse will reveal its creative realm. Bring the whole family to this unique workshop, where everyone will be invited to move in sync with the environment. General public and families Up to 25 people at a time In French only 12:30 to 5 pm - Cargo Bike Demonstration Courtesy of LocoMotion Testing cargo bikes and promoting LocoMotion as a vehicle-sharing option between neighbours (bike trailers, electric cargo bikes, cars) General public and families In French only 1 to 5 pm - Family Activity: From Quarry to Garden Courtesy of the Jardin botanique Library On a timeline, participants will be invited to place the crucial steps that led to the creation of the Jardin botanique de Montréal and discover the development and environmental challenges that needed to be addressed. General public and families (8 years and older) Up to 10 people at a time In French only 1 to 5 pm - L’Îlot—A Currency for Montreal Courtesy of L'îlot, Une monnaie locale pour Montréal Come discover L'Îlot, a community-based currency that fosters local connections and is exclusive to Montreal! General public and families In French only 1:30 to 2 pm - Lecture: Is Growth Really the Key to Happiness? Courtesy of Lisa Ancelin and Édouard Chartrand (Polytechnique Montréal) Come and learn about the limitations of our current model, and explore the possibilities offered by sustainable growth. General public and families In French only 1:30 to 4:30 pm - Workshop for Making Food Packaging from Beeswax Courtesy of Éco-quartier de Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie Join us to create your own zero-waste packaging while reducing the amount of materials sent to landfill! Fabrics and irons will be provided, but we encourage you to bring your own. Choose cotton or other natural fabrics. General public and families (12 years and older) Up to 12 people at a time In French only 2 to 3:30 pm - Cooking for children: Les mains à la pâte Courtesy of Ville en vert A workshop that will enable young people to develop their independence and discover the pleasures of eating well while having fun. Children (8 to 12) Up to 12 people In French only