The City of Welland and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) seek volunteers to help plant a native pollinator garden at Sparrow Meadows Park this September.

Pollinators are a diverse group of creatures, including bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects, that aid in transferring pollen from flower to flower. This process results in the production of seeds, fruits, and the growth of new plants. Pollinators are crucial in pollinating more than 70 percent of food crops, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.

“Many pollinators worldwide are under serious threat due to pesticides, pollution, habitat loss, disease, and climate change,” said Dave Steven, manager of parks, forestry, cemeteries, operations, and development. “The City and NPCA recognize these threats and are working together to create a natural pollinator garden in Welland’s newest park.”

“The pollinator garden will be planted with native wildflower species that serve as either host plants or nectar sources for native pollinator species,” explained NPCA’s manager of climate change and special programs, Natalie Green. “Pollinator habitat in urban spaces can have large environmental benefits including increased biodiversity, wildlife viewing opportunities, water conservation, and water quality improvements”.

The Sparrow Meadows garden will be the newest addition to the Mickey DiFruscio and Family Legacy Pollinator Project gardens planted across the Niagara Peninsula watershed since 2017. The initiative honours the late Mickey DiFruscio, who served on the NPCA Board of Directors from 1993 to 2019 and dedicated 25 years to improving the local environment.  Planting is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sparrow Meadows Park, located at 321 Julia Drive.

In case of rain, the event will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Community members interested in volunteering can sign up by emailing volunteering@npca.ca.