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 26 - Plants at the Heart of the Solutions - Day 1 Be dazzled by the beauty of the plant world and the forest, while enriching biopersity! Through a variety of workshops and lectures punctuated by walks, creative and literary activities, this day promises to give you a better understanding of plants and their importance in the socio-ecological transition. 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 noon - Introduction to Urban Agriculture Courtesy of Natachat Danis of ÉcoGaïa in cooperation with Le Semoir Farming in the city is easier than you think, whether on a balcony or in a backyard. In this workshop, you'll learn the basics of horticulture, then produce a landscaping sketch and do some planting based on the sketch. In French. Up to 30 people 10:30 am to 12:30 pm - Family Biopersity Mural Courtesy of Ateliers pour la biopersité Discover the systemic aspects of biopersity erosion through a fun, collaborative workshop—what is it all about, what does it enable, and what causes it to degrade. In French. Families (10 years and up). Up to 40 people 11 to 12:30 am - 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 1 to 2 pm and 2:30 to 3:30 pm - Discovering Phytotechnologies Courtesy of Joan Laur, IRBV Come and discover the capacity of plants to tackle a range of environmental problems—from invasive plants to soil, water and air contamination—not to mention the contribution these technologies can make to biopersity. In French 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 - Workshop: The Art of Bonsai for Children 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 to 4 pm - Herbarium and Gatherer’s Pouch Workshop Courtesy of La Ruche d'art Yéléma Artists Judith Harvey and Clément Poirier, members of the Ruche d'art Yéléma collective, invite you to come and create small, personalized herbariums and gatherers' pouches using mostly recycled and organic materials, to embrace the beauty of nature. Bilingual. General public and families (accompanied children) 4 to 5 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