It’s a Fact Pierre founded Sentier Urbain in Montréal to diminish the heat island effect. The organization brings marginalized youth and community members together to build a harmonious society and increase urban vegetation cover.

So far re-naturalization projects resulted in the planting of over 388 trees, 592 shrubs, 876 perennials and 204 vines. This work was carried out by more than 130 residents and businesses, including 20 disadvantaged youth. Despite the initial mistrust of residents and businesses in working with marginalized youth, planting 2,338 plants allowed the community groups to interact and minimize mistrust.

Sentier Urbain has organized more than 175 workshops to raise environmental awareness on topics including vermicomposting, air, water, ornithology, horticulture and urban wooded ecosystems. Pierre has involved over 2,500 students and teachers in workshops at over 15 schools within the Sainte Marie and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve regions.

Many initiatives and planting projects have been developed: a garden circuit with four thematic gardens; composting and ornithology; medicinal plants; urban undergrowth; and a herb garden. More than 900 adults and 275 children have visited these gardens over the past two years. Moreover, these gardens offer a space to relax and connect with nature, which is especially crucial in a neighborhood whose residents rarely have the means to leave the city.

Pierre’s commitment to the environment goes well beyond Sentier Urbain. He founded a number of environmental groups in Québec, including the “Sauvegarde du Patrimoine Naturel en Milieu Urbain” project (Urban Natural Heritage Protection), the “Milieu de formation et de travail adapté” project in Témiscamingue, the “Plan de verdissment de Sainte-Marie” project (Greening Sainte-Marie Plan) and “Parcs Vivants” (Living Parks).

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