During this month dedicated to trees and forest, the National Battlefields Commission invites nature lovers and budding horticulturists to its annual spring rendezvous, Sunday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 :30 p.m. at the Great Celebration of Nature. This is a unique opportunity for the public to visit the greenhouses in a convivial atmosphere and absorb the first colours and smells of the plants soon to embellish the park. This year, the 19th edition will gather thirty exhibitors specializing in various environmental fields in an effort to promote exchanges with visitors. Families are welcome on the Plains of Abraham, where a wide range of activities awaits them, including the popular plant distribution of the Mon arbre à moi (My own tree) campaign.
Quick facts
- The park’s greenhouses, among the oldest still active in Quebec, grow approximately 50,000 annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are needed, among other things, to beautify the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park. On this open house day you will see, exceptionally, how traditions can rub shoulders with pioneering horticulture. The staff of the National Battlefields Commission will be happy to share their knowledge with you and unsparingly provide sound horticultural and arboricultural advice.
- The Commission invites visitors to learn more about its commemoration program, its sustainable development initiatives, and the park's forest inventory.
- Outside of the greenhouses, the Commission has invited a range of experts to give the public an opportunity to develop their knowledge on subjects dealing with various nature disciplines: ecological practices, mycology, ragweed control, native plants, forest heritage, plant maintenance, metals and minerals, solar observation, birds, flowers and much more. Come and meet members of the Friends of the Plains of Abraham and horticultural societies.
- The young and the old at heart will have a great time with inflatable games, crafts, and a petting zoo. Clowns Ketchup and Julienne BBQ will entertain the kids and ask them for help planting a tree at 1:30 p.m. to do something concrete for the planet. Fascinating reptiles and amphibians will also be part of the fun. Workers from the Arsenal laboratory (1877–1912) and the Ross Rifle Factory (1902–1931) will describe the work conditions of the era to mark this year commemorating the two World Wars.
- The Great Celebration of Nature is also an opportunity for kids to learn about what archeologists do. There will be an introduction to dig methods and a presentation of the different steps from dig to display. An archeologist will be on hand to answer questions.
- Another popular attraction is the 1,000 fine herbs grown in the park greenhouses and given away for free to the first visitors (limited number, one plant per person).
- 600 young trees will be handed out by Ministère des Ressources naturelles Québec to parents registered in the Mon arbre à moi (My own tree) program, and Association forestière des deux rives will be handing out 1,000 plants of different species. That's enough to reforest a whole neighborhood!
- The new flyer presenting the program for the 22nd edition of the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand will be available at the Pavilion (near the Bandstand) and at the information booth.
- At the Plains of Abraham greenhouses (at Briand and De Bernières, east of Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec). Information: 418-649-6157 | www.theplainsofabraham.ca
- In collaboration with Association forestière des deux rives, Ministère des Ressources naturelles Québec.
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Contact
Nathalie Allaire
Outreach and Media Officer Communications Division
418-648-4801, nathalie.allaire@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
