Protecting our pollinators

Birds, bees, butterflies, bats and beetles, oh my! Ever wonder why these creatures are important to protect? They 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 in Vaughan from Monday, June 21 to Sunday, June 27 – the City is raising awareness for pollinators to help protect them in the local community and educate citizens on the importance of respecting their habitats. 

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. 

Residents are invited to get involved! The City is offering 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 pollinator packets include planting instructions for best results and the following flower seeds:

• Golden Tickseed
• Lanceleaf Tickseed
• Blazing Star
• Helenium Autumnale
• New England Aster

Residents can claim their seed packet by emailing environment@vaughan.ca with their full name and mailing address. Packets are limited and will be distributed by mail while supplies last. 

Kids can also join the week-long 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

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