“A haven for families” is what locals whisper when mentioning Parc des Épivans. Here, in Fontenay-sous-Bois, lies a green escape. Parc des Épivans spans four acres. That is enough space for a refreshing stroll. It is a great place for family activities.
But there is even more to discover. In 2020, the town created a nature trail here. This path winds through the park’s undergrowth. It provides information about local biodiversity. The goal? To educate and raise awareness.
The Parc des Épivans trail consists of several stations. Each focuses on a different aspect of nature. First is the educational apiary. It is housed within a secure structure. This protects both bees and visitors. Here, you can learn about pollination and beekeeping. An association cares for the hives and harvests honey.
Next, we come to the flower meadow. It is a haven for pollinators. Butterflies and birds love it. The town planted it next to the apiary. This provides food for the bees and other creatures. You might spot hedgehogs or ladybugs here too.
For younger visitors, there are educational games. These games focus on the food chain. There is also a three-sided puzzle. This keeps the little ones entertained.
The soil station is dedicated to earth. It shows soil life and insects. Educational tables and diagrams explain the different layers.
Then, there is the insect hotel. This structure helps insects and arachnids survive the winter. In summer, mason bees use it for nesting. Local workshops and the parks department built it.
The Parc des Épivans trail also has a convivial area. It focuses on trees and mushrooms. There are tables about regional tree identification. There is also one about mushrooms. Benches made from felled trees are installed here.
A grimoire about woodland plants is also available. It helps identify common plants. These include dandelions and ivy. It presents each plant’s characteristics. It also indicates their uses and benefits.
Finally, there is a bird observatory. It is set up to observe local birds year-round. Sound devices help identify bird songs. There are exhibits on the birds of Île de France. Berry bushes have been planted nearby for food.
The Parc des Épivans trail is marked with wood chip paths. Local workers did most of the work. The inauguration took place in September 2020.
The creation of this trail had a pedagogical goal. It supports nature activities. It aims to teach about local species. Like preservation, awareness is key. We protect what we know. The trail is suitable for all ages. It encourages children to explore with their parents. It also increases awareness of urban biodiversity. Other panels have since been added. These include information on hedgehogs and dry hedges. Parc des Épivans is more than just a park. It is a classroom. It is a place to learn. It is a place to connect with nature.