Protecting our pollinators: Vaughan offering free seed packets, activities to mark Pollinator Week

​Plant a pollinator-friendly garden; get the kids involved

Thestar.com
June 23, 2022
Yoyo Yan

Do you know why birds, bees, butterflies, bats and beetles are important to protect?

These creatures sustain the environment through pollination and are vital to the ecosystem. In fact, pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food eaten.

In honour of Pollinator Week -- which has been proclaimed from Monday, June 20 to Sunday, June 26 -- the City of Vaughan is raising awareness and educating citizens on the importance of respecting their habitats.

Do you want to help protect the pollinators? Here are a couple of things you can do:

PLANT A POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY GARDEN

Vaughan residents can claim free seed packets to create pollinator-friendly outdoor spaces at home. Native and pollinator-friendly species make a beautiful addition to any garden and can also help support busy pollinators as they do their jobs.

The seed packets include planting instructions for best results and the following flower seeds:

Golden Tickseed

Lanceleaf Tickseed

Blazing Star

Helenium Autumnale

New England Aster

Common Milkweed

Claim a seed packet by emailing environment@vaughan.ca with your full name and mailing address. Packets are limited and will be distributed by mail while supplies last.

Since 2018, Vaughan council has remained committed to creating pollinator-friendly habitats through the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. Under this pledge, the city has planted pollinator-friendly gardens at Vaughan City Hall, Vellore Heritage Square, Veteran's Park and Doctors Mclean District Park, in addition to undertaking many other pollination-related initiatives.

GET THE KIDS INVOLVED

Kids can also join the weeklong celebration with free, fun activities designed to help teach them about pollination and why these insects and birds are important.

They include:

An outdoor pollinator scavenger hunt

A pollination crossword puzzle

A Whose Home? interactive game to identify species at risk

Recognized internationally, Pollinator Week aligns with the city's commitment to environmental stewardship and fostering sustainable communities -- all priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.

Learn more about Vaughan's pollinator projects and how to get involved at vaughan.ca/environment.