Protecting our pollinators
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City offers free seed packets and activities to mark Pollinator Week
The City of Vaughan has proclaimed Pollinator Week from Monday, June 22 to Sunday, June 28, and is taking this opportunity to raise awareness and help protect the birds, bees, butterflies, bats and beetles in the community. This week is recognized internationally and stands to promote these vital creatures that sustain the environment through pollination.
For residents looking 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. 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.
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
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
- And a Whose Home? Interactive game to identify species at risk
The City is committed to protecting pollinators and educating citizens on the importance of these creatures and their habitats. In fact, pollinators are vital to the ecosystem and are responsible for one out of every three bites of food eaten. In 2018, Council approved the National Wildlife Foundation’s Mayor’s Monarch Pledge to create pollinator-friendly habitat. Under this pledge, the City has planted pollinator-friendly gardens at Vaughan City Hall, Vellore Heritage Square and Doctors McLean District Park, in addition to undertaking many other pollination initiatives. Pollinator Week also further 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 these pollination initiatives and how you can get involved at vaughan.ca/Environment.
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