Jardin Educatif celebrates 35th anniversary

Jardin Educatif celebrates 35th anniversary

On Friday, a sizable crowd gathered at the Jardin Educatif du Pontiac’s property along Hwy. 148 in Litchfield to mark the organization’s 35th anniversary with a barbeque and variety of family activities.

Martin Riopel, the organization’s director since 2016, said that the non-profit has gone through many transformations over the past three decades and that they typically have a celebration to mark the end of their summer program. He explained that the organization’s primary role is providing services to at-risk youth by having them work in the garden over the course of the summer. They also have a close relationship with local food bank Bouffe Pontiac, providing them with heaps of fresh produce.

New this year, they’ve added a greenhouse to their property with an attached kitchen and vendor area, which he said will allow them to expand their program in the future.

When asked about what he values the most about his work, he said that helping local youth develop healthy habits, in their schooling, personal lives or diets, is something that’s important to him.