Whether your space is large or small, World Wildlife Fund – Canada is urging people across the country to take action for nature and make a difference by planting native plants in their yards, container gardens and community spaces.
On Earth Day, WWF-Canada launched a new website called re:grow which offers how-to advice from conservation experts for growing native plants to help restore habitats, attract pollinators and fight climate change.
But, perhaps even more importantly, the website also tracks users’ collective impact on biodiversity and climate.
WWF-Canada’s Senior Manager, Community Action Kate Landry says anyone can join by creating a free account and sharing their efforts.
“There are folks out there who understand, they have knowledge about native plants, they’re gung ho and they’re already doing it. And then there are folks that care about the environment and want to do something but don’t quite know what to do and so re:grow is kind of trying to provide a service to both of those groups.”
One feature of the website is helping people create an action plan.
“It’s a bit of an educational tool. So you can log on, you can access information. You can learn about what are native plants, why are they important to the ecosystem? What types of species are good for the region that you’re in. And then you also get resources. So, for folks who don’t think that they have a green thumb. You know, there’s resources there about how to plant a plant, how to plant a tree. Maintenance, care, that type of thing.”
The website displays the total actions taken by members so everyone can see how their small-scale efforts are contributing to large-scale ecosystem restoration.
Landry says tracking people’s impact is important.
Participants can also share photos and stories of their native plant projects with the re:grow community and on social media to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire others to take action.
“The habitat we’re creating, kind of at home, in our communities and spaces, that’s the places where we can have the biggest impact. That’s where there isn’t the building blocks of ecosystem services in place for local wildlife. And so, by recording what we’re doing and showing the collective impact that we have together, we hope to inspire people across the country.”
Landry says re:grow also allows members to acknowledge the journey.
“It is nice sometimes when you’re, I don’t know, doing a shoreline cleanup or something like that where you do your activity and walk away and you feel good but, with planting, it’s kind of an investment that you’re making and a relationship you’re building with the area around you. And so, you don’t need to get it right it at first, that’s fine. What’s important is just learning and taking steps along the way and trying. And if things don’t work out, things don’t work out.”
Members can join as individuals or create groups and with family, friends, school, campus, workplace, club or community group.
For more on everything eco-friendly, energy-saving and sustainable throughout the Quinte region including Belleville, Prince Edward County, Quinte West, and beyond, visit www.greenquinte.com.
