Hirtzfelden. Nature Festival: a rich program on May 8 at the Nature House

"The Nature Festival is a national event and an opportunity for us, at the local level, to raise awareness about the environment, to make our house better known, and to allow families to share a day out focused on nature," explains Christian Werthe, vice-president of the Maison de la nature du Vieux Canal in Hirtzfelden.

Justine Chlecq, the educational coordinator of the Maison de la Nature and responsible for organizing this nature festival, has been working on the program of activities for Thursday, May 8, since September: "There will be something for everyone, for young and old alike. This nature festival will be a big family celebration where our trails and observation bridge will be highlighted. This nature festival is free, and is also intended to be local and eco-responsible."

From 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Maison de la Nature will be open to the public and will offer numerous events and activities. A craft market with around ten exhibitors will be offered, as will a community village with stands from the LPO, the GEPMA, and other associations working to protect the environment.

Throughout the day, activities will include a games library, a barefoot trail, a treasure hunt, fishing in the pond, a motor skills trail, and a discovery of the apiary. Three local painters (Solen Pelz, Barbouilletto, and Au-delà des lumières) will exhibit in the building and the nearby forest for one of these activities, weather permitting. The organizers have also invited the musical duo Daïkalus and Les Bernadettes to liven up the day.

The public will also be able to visit the permanent exhibitions on energy and "consumer attitudes" as well as the scientific activities in the nature lab. A plant swap will be offered on site: "People can come with their plants to exchange and leave with others," explains Justine Chlecq.

Pony rides will also delight children, and the organizers will offer on-site catering at lunchtime, with a choice of beef lasagna or vegetarian lasagna (reservations are now available at www.vieuxcanal.eu or directly on site on Thursday, May 8). "All we have to do is hope for good weather for the day and do as well as we did two years ago," notes the educational coordinator.