- April 9, 2025 - Jardin botanique : Favourites
This spring, a gentle breeze is enfolding the Jardin botanique’s Frédéric Back Tree House. Every weekend in April, people of all ages and from all walks of life are getting together to learn, explore, connect with nature and discuss topics relating to the socio-ecological transition. It’s Citizen Spring!
Bolstering our power to act
When winter ends, a lot of us feel a need for nature and human connection. Citizen Spring comes at just the right time. With this event, entirely free of charge, the Jardin botanique aims to bring people closer to one another and closer to nature, the idea being for them to develop, together, citizen skills in terms of socio-ecological transition. No one is trying to convert anyone here: we’re being invited, in the spirit of bolstering our power to act – and with much goodwill – to make a little more progress in taking care of living things.
Moving from a world that consumes to a world that cares
Whether it involves creating a work with the family, taking part in a forest bath, learning to do a tune-up on your bike or attending a lecture on edible native plants, the Citizen Spring experience is transforming. Last year, 85 percent of respondents to a post-event survey said they felt better equipped and had a better understanding of the issues related to the socio-ecological transition. They also mentioned that getting closer to nature had been good for them. Many of them said they were inspired, and wanted to take concrete action in favor of nature, while others stressed the impact of breaking isolation and of being in solidarity with others. And then there were those who were delighted to be able to share some fun with their families.
An event rallying the forces of eco-citizenship
It’s thanks to the support of more than 25 local organizations that the Jardin botanique team can offer over 70 activities and workshops during the four weekends in the month of April. A productive collaboration that combines the efforts of one and all and that pools complementary talents and expertise. Obviously, here plants remain at the heart of discussions and, often, of solutions! Still, because of its program’s exceptional variety, Citizen Spring reaches audiences from backgrounds as varied as their interests. And the Jardin botanique couldn’t be happier. That’s exactly the vision underpinning the event: breaking down the silos in which modern life keeps us confined and creating a welcoming space where human beings feel themselves to be part of nature, in a state of interdependence. “Our goal,” says Dainava Blayney, the coordinator of Citizen Spring, “is to allow all sorts of people, with interests in all sorts of things, to together connect with nature, in all sorts of ways. We want to make a positive contribution to the creation of new ways of living together, with other species, in our environment.” She summarizes the event this way: “Citizen Spring means: human beings, together WITH nature!”
NEW THIS YEAR
This second edition of Citizen Spring has some new features: cooking activities, film screenings followed by discussions, and workshops on the subject of First Nations skills. Last year, at the first edition, more than a few participants showed up for a specific activity and finished by staying the entire day.
Be warned!
For more information, consult the Citizen Spring program, completely free, every weekend through April 27.
