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 20 - Discover the Yummy Side of the Transition - Day 2 Rediscover the plant world from a food perspective! Through playful no-waste activities and lectures on nutrition and plant-based food, everyone will leave with a new appreciation of plants. 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 to 12:30 pm – Forest Bathing for Adults Courtesy of Geneviève Labrie-Desbiens, psychoeducator and forest bathing guide Forest bathing for adults offers a series of activities designed to connect you with nature. These activities are designed to promote personal well-being, soothe the nervous system and connect you to yourself, to others and to the environment. The activity unfolds in a slow, mindful way. In French. Adults (15 years and up). Up to 15 people 10:30 to 11:30 am - How to Mobilize Citizens Around Your Projects Courtesy of Solon Are you involved in a citizen project or looking to get one off the ground? Would you like to learn how to get new people involved or boost their commitment? From theory to practice, we’ve got advice for you! In French. Up to 30 people 11 am to noon - Discover and Taste Labrador Tea and Drinks Made with Wild Fruit and Cedar Courtesy of Jacques T. Watso, culinary and Indigenous heritage entrepreneur Initiation to the preparation of Labrador tea, an ancestral Abenaki infusion and beverage of wild fruits and cedar, followed by a tasting. This workshop also explores the medicinal uses of these plants. Accompanied by traditional Abenaki singing and discussion of the contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples. In French. Up to 50 people 1 to 2 pm - Conference: Native Edible Plants Courtesy of Martina Muller, horticulturist at REVE Nourricier Would you like to learn more about native plants? Do you have questions about foraging? Would you like to plant your yard with hardy, edible native plants? Come and find out more about our local flora. In French 1 to 2 pm - The Legend of the Tree Pavilion - A Children's Story for Everyone Courtesy of Conteurs à gages Join the Conteurs à gage in this participatory children's storytelling show for the whole family. In this production, the storytellers will build the story of the Tree Pavilion before your very eyes. A fun-filled show that will have young spectators laughing out loud and learning more about the origins of this timeless place. In French. For families. Up to 50 people 1:30 to 3 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 2 to 5 pm - Family Activity: No-waste Challenge Courtesy of the Jardin botanique animation team This immersive workshop will challenge you and your team to concoct the ultimate zero-waste recipe. Unusual leftovers such as potato peelings and carrot tops will be put to delicious use! You’ll go home with clever ideas for cooking with leftovers. Bilingual. 4 families at a time (15 to 20 people) 3 to 4:30 pm - Vegetable Garden Design Courtesy of Martina Muller, horticulturist at REVE Nourricier Following a short theoretical session on vegetable garden design, this will be the perfect opportunity to design your own garden with your fellow participants, while benefiting from Martina's horticultural advice! Bring your colouring pencils, paper and even a compass. A project booklet will be distributed to participants on site. In French. Up to 30 participants 3:30 to 4:30 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