Celebrate Pollinator Appreciation Day at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and this year’s theme is Start with a Tree. Meet people who have created a pollinator garden, talk with scientists who study pollinators, connect with organizations that support pollinator projects, learn from tree experts, buy a tree for your yard or win one in our free lottery.
Bring the whole family. Walks and talks. Activities for kids. Lots to do and see.
A variety of experts representing organizations or themselves will be on hand to share information, answer questions, tell you everything you need to know about helping pollinators.
Wild Pollinator Partners – how to start a pollinator garden, 3x3x3 garden design
Master Gardeners
Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library – free wildflower seeds, activities for kids
Canadian Wildlife Federation – posters and other information on pollinators and how to support them in your outdoor space. How to certify your garden as Wildlife Friendly Habitat. Win a backpack full of handy outdoor gear. Activities for all ages.
Canadensis Native Tree Nursery – volunteer growing native trees to increase biodiversity of Ottawa’s tree canopy
City of Ottawa – find out about the new Community Gardens and Greening Initiatives program, rules for gardening in the right of way, the Rain Ready program, and how the City supports pollinators. We will also provide information about various tree planting programs, including Trees in Trust and Plant Your Place. We will have a copy of the Pollinator Appreciation Day proclamation, various handouts and small giveaway items, and some gardening kits.
Ottawa Stewardship Council
CAFES (Community Associations for Environmental Sustainability)
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter
University of Ottawa entomologists and bee researchers will show you the diversity and importance of wild bees. An opportunity to see bees close up. Take away informative pamphlets, browse books about bees and pollinators, look at pollen samples.
Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club – the oldest natural history club in Canada. Become a member and enjoy free newsletter, monthly meeting and presentation, guided excursions, nature club for young people
Ontario Invasive Plant Council – recognize and control invasive species
Pinhey Sand Dunes restoration project – creating a butterfly sanctuary
People who have created and now manage pollinator gardens: Friends of Carlington and Hampton Park, OSEAN, Clyde Bee and Butterfly Patch
Heng Sun, who makes 3D printed bee boxes
Native plant nurseries will be on hand with a representative selection of their stock:
Echo Native Plants
Solidago Farm
Naturaide
Ontario Native Plants
Hardy Sprouts
Ferguson Forest Tree Nursery
Scheduled events
Ceremonial tree planting with MP Bruce Fanjoy.
Presentations in the FWG interpretive centre
10:30 Chrissy May, City of Ottawa Community Gardens and Greening Initiatives
11:30 Christina Earnshaw, Tree Fest & Tree Canada
12:30 Sharon Boddy, Friends of Carlington and Hampton Park
1:30 Autumn Jordan, Bird Friendly Ottawa
Guided walk schedule to follow