Pollinators in the spotlight at the Versailles-Chèvreloup arboretum

A natural space of 200 hectares adjoining the gardens of the Trianon in the domain of the Sun King, the arboretum of Versailles-Chèvreloup (Yvelines) has more than 2,500 species of trees from all over the world. At the heart of this setting managed by the National Museum of Natural History, this immersive exhibition hums into the world of “little animals” that pollinate and make it possible for many plants to reproduce. The most famous is the honey bee, domesticated for millennia for its honey. Less well known, the so-called solitary bees, wild bees (1,000 different species in France) also contribute to the maintenance of ecosystems.

At the service of life

The first part of the exhibition presents the role of one and the other. Diagrams, photos, 3D models of hives and other interactive, fun and educational devices detail the pollination process. The threats to their habitat and their existence are also described. Goal of the exercise: “To make children and adults aware of solutions for the preservation of these species essential to life on Earth. »

Closer to insects

The second part of the exhibition, more active, allows young and old to hike on a 1.6 km route in contact with insects (inaccessible to people with reduced mobility). This enameled route of a dozen stops invites you to observe the interactions between plants and bees, butterflies, beetles, flies, etc. that fly and buzz in the arboretum. The opportunity to learn while taking a breath of fresh air in a living, open-air museum labeled “Remarkable Garden” since 2018.