Espace pour la vie presents A Haven for Birds: the Jardin botanique's major commitment to birdlife

MONTRÉAL, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - As the first migratory birds return to Montréal's skies, Espace pour la vie announces the flagship commitment of the Jardin botanique, A Haven for Birds, which will now guide the development of initiatives dedicated to birdlife on-site. 

Made possible through an exceptional donation from Mr. Mark Zoccolillo, via the Fondation Espace pour la vie, with the collaboration of Les Amis du Jardin botanique, this commitment marks an important step forward for a site already recognized for its rich birdlife. With more than 200 species recorded, the Jardin botanique is among the most favourable environments in Montréal for birdwatching.

Carried forward as a long‑term commitment, A Haven for Birds will strengthen the relationship between the public and the bird species that frequent the site, while supporting the development of programming dedicated to the discovery, understanding and protection of birdlife at the Jardin.

A commitment rooted in the history of the Jardin botanique

Since its founding in 1931, the Jardin has shaped a mosaic of natural habitats--woodlands, wetlands and tree collections--that now support remarkable birdlife. Over time, A Haven for Birds will build on existing initiatives while gradually introducing new tools and experiences for the public, including identification resources, educational activities, guided tours and citizen engagement projects.

Starting this year, as part of the Citizen Spring programming, the Jardin botanique will offer its first activities that bring this commitment to life, held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout April. These activities include a watercolour and nature journaling workshop inspired by the site's bird species, birds of prey presentations, opportunities to meet biodiversity specialists, and guided walks to explore the Jardin's habitats and better understand the behaviours of the birds that inhabit them.

With A Haven for Birds, Espace pour la vie is affirming the central role of birds in the Jardin botanique's identity. This new strategic focus will encourage the development of new collaborations, particularly in research, and will offer expanded access to learning and conservation experiences.

A philanthropic gesture that brings people closer to nature

The announcement was made this morning at the Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion, in the presence of Ms. Gabrielle Rousseau-Bélanger, City Councillor for the Pointe-aux-Trembles district and member of the executive committee responsible for the environment, ecological transition and green spaces, Mr. Mark Zoccolillo, representatives of Espace pour la vie and the Fondation Espace pour la vie, as well as Friends of the Jardin botanique and community partners.

This major philanthropic contribution will strengthen ornithology expertise at the Jardin botanique and accelerate the rollout of initiatives for families, schools, beginner birdwatchers and enthusiasts alike.

Quotes

Gabrielle Rousseau-Bélanger, City Councillor for the Pointe‑aux‑Trembles district and member of the Executive Committee responsible for the environment, ecological transition and green spaces 
"The Jardin botanique, one of the five Espace pour la vie museums, is a true oasis of biodiversity in the heart of eastern Montréal. We are very pleased to see it continue to grow while remaining a place where people can connect with nature. On behalf of all Montrealers, I would like to thank Mr. Mark Zoccolillo for his generous donation, which will allow the public to enjoy new experiences and enable the Jardin botanique to further strengthen its expertise in biodiversity."

Julie Jodoin, Director, Espace pour la vie
"This major commitment is fully aligned with Espace pour la vie's mission: to bring communities closer to nature, foster inspiring connections with the living world and equip the public to better protect it. By positioning the Jardin botanique as a key site for studying bird dynamics in urban environments, this strategic direction strengthens its role as a reference in urban ecology and conservation. It also encourages greater citizen engagement and nurtures the sense of wonder inspired by the living world."

Josée Bellemare, Director, Jardin botanique
"Our visitors greatly appreciate the birds at the Jardin botanique. Through this commitment, we aim to better showcase the bird species that find refuge here and to continue efforts that contribute to their protection. We are bringing together expertise to offer the public new ways to discover birdlife and understand the factors that influence their presence in the city. This is an important step that strengthens and enhances the Jardin botanique's contribution to the conservation of Montréal's biodiversity."

François Caron‑Melançon, Director, Fondation Espace pour la vie
"People like Mr. Zoccolillo are at the heart of the Fondation's mission: building bridges between Espace pour la vie's mission and those who choose to support and amplify it. Thanks to this exceptional donation, A Haven for Birds can take flight and durably transform Montrealers' relationship with nature. This is the true power of philanthropy: it gives scale to the ideas that matter most."

Marc Zoccolillo, donor and supporter of the Jardin botanique
"Why birds? We often travel far to distance ourselves from everyday concerns, but with birds, simply stepping outside our front door can evoke the same feeling. Their beauty and songs connect us directly to the natural world--a reminder that we, too, are creatures of nature. With its central urban location and accessibility for all, the Jardin botanique is an ideal place to bring people closer to this remarkable wildlife and contribute to its conservation."

About Espace pour la vie 

Protecting biodiversity and the environment is at the heart of the mission of Espace pour la vie, which groups the Biodôme, the Biosphère, the Insectarium, the Jardin botanique and the Planétarium. Together, these Montreal museums form the largest natural-science complex in Canada, and each year welcome more than 2.5 million people. In view of the challenges our planet is facing, Espace pour la vie is working to increase its impact by fostering dialogue with communities and taking actions aimed at mobilizing the public behind the socio-ecological transition.

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SOURCE Espace pour la vie Montreal

Information for the media: Mélinda Wolstenholme, Espace pour la vie, 514 809-3490, [email protected]