The Town of Montreal West is pleased to announce the creation of the new Pocket Forest at the intersection of Ronald Drive and Brock S. Avenue. Developed with UrbaNature Education, the Sun and Truth Foundation, Park People, Concordia University and Arbre-Évolution, the project invites residents to help turn this site into a thriving native habitat.
The 200-square-metre Ronald Pocket Forest supports the Town’s vision to expand the local tree canopy and strengthen biodiversity. Approximately 600 native trees and shrubs, together with native ground-cover plants, will create food and shelter for local pollinators and other wildlife. As the forest grows, it will also provide shade, help reduce urban heat and make the neighbourhood greener and more resilient.
Residents are invited to help bring this vision to life. The project will unite residents, schools and organizations from Montreal West and neighbouring communities around the Falaise Saint-Jacques. Planting activities are planned for October 1–2, with October 8–9 as backup dates. Everyone is welcome, drop in and stay for as much or as little time as you wish.
- October 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Volunteers will remove grass and prepare the soil.
- October 1, 12:30–1:30 p.m.: A Concordia University entomologist will offer a talk and an interactive insect experience.
- October 2, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.: Volunteers will plant 600 saplings.
- October 2, 10 a.m.: Arbre-Évolution will provide tree-planting training. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the training, which will help prevent damage and ensure that every tree is properly planted for the winter.
Updates will be posted through UrbaNature Education’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
“We are very pleased to welcome the first microforest in Montreal West”, said Montreal West Mayor Jonathan Cha. “This microforest is part of a series of small habitats created along Saint-Jacques Street in NDG, extending the Saint-Jacques Escarpment eco-territory. This ecological, educational, and scientific project contributes to enriching our environment and living space. Thank you to UrbaNature for the initiative, funding, and coordination.”
“This is the first step in extending the biological reach of the Falaise Saint-Jacques across the highway and railway lines toward Meadowbrook,” said Lisa Mintz, Executive Director of UrbaNature Education and founder of Sauvons la falaise! “I have always imagined the Falaise at the heart of a green belt connecting Meadowbrook Park with Mount Royal, then running south across the future Dalle-Parc and Parc Angrignon to Parc des Rapides.”