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 18 | On the Importance of Biodiversity - Day 1 Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the world while enriching biodiversity! Through a variety of workshops and conferences as well as creative and literary activities, this day will help you discover and learn more about different plant and animal species and their importance in the socio-ecological transition. 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 10:30 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 10:30 am to noon - Discovery Workshop: Nature Journaling Courtesy of Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden and the Société de biologie de Montréal Come learn about nature journaling with Marie-France Larochelle and Monique Larrivée, volunteers for the Société de biologie de Montréal. This simple, fun, and potent approach allows you to slow down and fully appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Bring a notebook and pencils. This activity is offered in partnership with the Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. General public and families Up to 30 people In French only 10:30 am to 1:30 pm - Kiosk: Discovering Quebec’s Biodiversity Courtesy of GUEPE Come discover Quebec’s biodiversity with our passionate naturalists! Explore different ecosystems and check out the living creatures hidden inside. At the GUEPE kiosk, learn more and gain a new perspective on the nature that surrounds you! General public and families In French only 11 am to 12:30 pm - Lecture/Workshop: Demystifying Native Plant Seeding Courtesy of Akène, semences indigènes This hands-on workshop will demystify some of the terms, concepts, and techniques surrounding native plants so that you can be successful at sowing and growing them. After an overview, time to get your hands dirty and prepare a small seedling tray that you can take home. You’ll be all set to do some planting in your garden. General public and families (10 years and older) Up to 30 people In French only 1 to 3:30 pm - Lecture: Recycle to Protect Life Courtesy of Éva Baudin and Clémence Steinmetz (Polytechnique Montréal) Come and learn about how what you waste impacts biodiversity and discover ways to protect the plants and animals around you! General public and families In French only 1 to 2:30 pm - Family Activity: Become a Biologist Courtesy of the Union québécoise de réhabilitation des oiseaux de proie (UQROP) Come and immerse yourself in the world of birds of prey by becoming a biologist for a moment. General public and families Up to 35 people In French only 2:30 to 4 pm - Phytotechnology Discovery Walk Courtesy of Laur Laboratory, Jardin botanique de Montréal, Université de Montréal Come and discover the power of plants in tackling various environmental problems such as invasive species as well as soil, water, and air contamination, not to mention the benefits of these technologies for biodiversity. General public and families 2 to 5 pm - Research on How Flowers Adapt to Pollinators Courtesy of Joly Laboratory, Jardin botanique de Montréal, Université de Montréal Come and discover various research projects currently underway at the laboratory that aim to understand how flowers adapt to their pollinators in terms of size, shape, and colour. General public and families In French only 2 to 5 pm - Forest Detectives: History Written in Wood Courtesy of Brice Laboratory, Université de Montréal, Jardin botanique de Montréal A kiosk where visitors can discover how researchers use tree rings to reconstruct the history of forests, understand their growth, and learn about the disturbances to which they have been subject. General public and families In French only 2 to 5 pm - Between Land and Water: Ecology and Wetland Restoration Courtesy of Brice Laboratory, Université de Montréal, Jardin botanique de Montréal An interactive kiosk to learn more about wetlands, their importance to nature and humans, and the best ways to restore and protect them. General public and families In French only 2 to 5 pm - Rescuing our Urban Forests: Threats and Solutions Courtesy of Brice-Pellerin Laboratory, Jardin botanique de Montréal, Université de Montréal Discover why urban forests are vital, the pressures they face, and the services they provide to the population on a daily basis. General public and families In French only 2 to 5 pm - Microbes to Replace Pesticides and Fertilizers in our Fields Courtesy of Zboralski Laboratory, Jardin botanique de Montréal, Université de Montréal Come and discover the microbes that could guarantee the health of tomorrow’s crops while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture! General public and families In French only 2 to 5 pm - Kiosk: Resist and Flourish - Protecting Biodiversity and Building Community Courtesy of Mobilisation 6600 Parc-Nature Multimedia exhibition kiosk celebrating collective action to preserve, restore, and conserve vacant lots near the Jardin botanique. A collective dream carried by ordinary citizens that led to the protection of the Vimont and Steinberg woodlands. General public and families (8 years and older) In French only 2:30 to 4:30 pm - Forest Bathing Courtesy of Geneviève Labrie-Desbiens Forest bathing for adults offers a series of activities designed to connect participants with nature. These activities focus on personal well-being, calming the nervous system and connecting participants with nature, but also with themselves and others. This activity is carried out slowly and with mindfulness. Adults (16 years and older) In French only 3 to 5 pm - Kiosk: Encountering birds of prey Courtesy of the Union québécoise de réhabilitation des oiseaux de proie (UQROP) Head over to our kiosk to observe and ask questions about birds. General public and families In French only