National Wildlife Week (NWW), a program that celebrates Canada's natural heritage and wildlife habitat, takes place from April 6 to 12 this year. Spring is the time for gardening, and what better way to contribute to this event than with a wildlife-friendly garden?
Participating in NWW can be as convenient as being in your own backyard. Literally!
You can plan a garden habitat that helps maintain the ecological balance of the area and make a significant contribution to conservation and the protection of local wildlife.
As a matter of fact, NWW's theme this year pays tribute to pollination and the pollinators葉he remarkable insects, birds, and other wildlife species葉hat carry out this essential ecological process.
Attracting a certain species of pollinators requires meeting its needs for food, water, shelter, and space. By including a variety of wildlife-friendly plants, you will have a lovely garden that supports a diversity of species throughout the year.
Learn about the native vegetation and wildlife in your area and do careful research and plant selection for the climatic zone where you live. And when planning your garden take into consideration proper soil conditions and locations of plantings to ensure your plants survive and thrive.
Below are some gardening ideas for a more eco- and pollinator-friendly environment:
- Plant a colourful wildflower or perennial garden to provide an inviting habitat for pollinating insects and birds such as Canada's beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds. Native plant species need less maintenance and are best for attracting home-grown pollinators.
- Collect garden clippings and use as mulch to keep moisture in the soil for plants. Mulching helps reduce watering and, when broken down, provides nutrients for plants and lessens the need for fertilizers.
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which accumulate and are harmful to the environment. Especially limit their use when flowers are in bloom.
- Collect organic wastes such as grass clippings, weeds, and fruit and vegetable peelings and put them to good use by composting. Composting helps improve air, water, and soil quality and also reduces the amount of household garbage.
- Collect water in rain barrels to provide a pure source of water without the chlorine or chemicals.
- Reduce your lawn areas, which require water, fertilizers, and lawnmowers that produce greenhouse gases. Plant native trees, bushes, and wildflowers instead.
- During times when natural foods are not as available, provide wildlife with other sources of food in bird feeders, squirrel feeders, and butterfly feeders.
A responsible and well-planned wildlife garden will make a difference to our environment and our planet.
Communities and schools across Canada are observing NWW through nature hikes, mall displays, poster contests, film festivals, habitat restoration projects, and talks by expert wildlife gardeners, naturalists, and photographers. For more information, visit www.nationalwildlifeweek.ca and NWW's WILD about Gardening website at www.wildaboutgardening.org.
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