Montréal's Garden Becomes a Bird Haven with Landmark Donation

MONTRÉAL, QC – April 02, 2026 – As the first songs of returning migratory birds fill the air, Espace pour la vie has announced a landmark commitment that will cement the Jardin botanique de Montréal's status as a premier urban sanctuary for avian life. The new long-term initiative, titled "A Haven for Birds," was made possible by an exceptional philanthropic donation and aims to significantly enhance conservation efforts, research, and public engagement centered on the garden's rich birdlife.

This major strategic direction was unveiled at the Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion, marking a pivotal moment for the internationally renowned botanical garden. Already a celebrated birdwatching hotspot with over 200 species recorded on its grounds, the Jardin is now poised to deepen its role as a vital refuge for birds in the heart of the city.

The Power of Philanthropic Vision

The driving force behind the initiative is a major donation from Mr. Mark Zoccolillo, a supporter of the Jardin botanique. Facilitated by the Fondation Espace pour la vie in collaboration with Les Amis du Jardin botanique, the gift provides the critical funding needed to accelerate a host of new programs and bolster ornithological expertise on site.

In a statement, Mr. Zoccolillo shared his personal motivation for the gift, reflecting on the unique ability of birds to connect people with the environment. "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," he said. "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."

This act of private generosity in support of a public institution highlights a growing trend of leveraging philanthropy to catalyze significant environmental projects. François Caron-Melançon, Director of the Fondation Espace pour la vie, emphasized the transformative impact of such contributions. "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," he stated. "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."

A Sanctuary Takes Flight

The Jardin botanique's commitment to birdlife is not new; it is deeply rooted in its history. Since its founding in 1931, the garden has cultivated a diverse mosaic of habitats—from woodlands and wetlands to specialized tree collections—that have long provided essential food, shelter, and nesting sites for resident and migratory birds. The "A Haven for Birds" initiative will build upon this strong foundation, formalizing the garden's role as a protector of its avian inhabitants.

Visitors will see the first fruits of this commitment this month as part of the "Citizen Spring" programming. Every Saturday and Sunday in April, the Jardin will host activities designed to bring the new initiative to life. Offerings include watercolour and nature journaling workshops inspired by local bird species, presentations featuring birds of prey, and guided walks with biodiversity specialists to explore the garden's habitats and understand the behaviors of the birds that call it home.

Josée Bellemare, Director of the Jardin botanique, noted the public's existing affection for the site's feathered residents. "Our visitors greatly appreciate the birds at the Jardin botanique," she said. "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."

Over the long term, the initiative will roll out new identification resources, expanded educational activities for schools and families, and citizen engagement projects, inviting the public to participate directly in conservation science.

Leading Montréal's Green Vision

"A Haven for Birds" arrives at a critical time for avian populations. With studies showing a staggering decline of nearly 3 billion birds across North America since 1970, urban green spaces have become increasingly crucial frontlines for conservation. The initiative aligns perfectly with the City of Montréal's broader environmental strategy, which includes protecting 10% of its terrestrial natural environments and planting 500,000 trees by 2030 to enhance biodiversity and combat climate change.

By formalizing its commitment to birdlife, the Jardin botanique strengthens its position as a key player in urban ecology. Julie Jodoin, Director of Espace pour la vie, explained that the project is central to the organization's overarching mission. "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," Jodoin stated. "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."

Gabrielle Rousseau-Bélanger, a City Councillor and member of the executive committee responsible for the environment, praised the initiative's contribution to the city. "The Jardin botanique... is a true oasis of biodiversity in the heart of eastern Montréal," she remarked, extending her thanks to Mr. Zoccolillo for a donation that will "allow the public to enjoy new experiences and enable the Jardin botanique to further strengthen its expertise in biodiversity."

This new focus is expected to foster new research collaborations, providing valuable data on urban bird populations and the effectiveness of conservation strategies. Through its blend of conservation, education, and public engagement, "A Haven for Birds" not only serves to protect wildlife but also nurtures a sense of environmental stewardship within the community, creating a lasting legacy for generations of Montrealers.