The EcoEast Butterflyway Rangers are out and about sharing free native wildflower seeds in communities. With almost 3,000 packages of seeds from about 80 different species of Ontario wildflowers and grasses to give away, the team is heading to different events in Prescott-Russell and the Cornwall area over the next month.
We know that every Ontario native wildflower or grass that gets into the ground is one step further to fixing our ecosystem. Native plants clean the air and soil, have deep roots that prevent erosion, do not need as much water, do not need fertilizer and most importantly, provide food and habitat for local pollinators and wildlife. By putting back the plants that should be here, we are fighting climate change in a powerful way. Native plants sequester more carbon into the soil than cultivated plants. Native biodiversity is important!
This year, the team of Rangers are highlighting species that are vulnerable or endangered with the hopes that community members choose to take these seeds and plant them in their yards to preserve them. These species have been impacted by development that destroyed their habitat, pesticides, ditch cutting and climate change, just to name a few. The loss of these beauties means that specific insects are also at risk as a result. The native wood poppy, showy goldenrod, American ginseng are just a few of the 270 species that are in trouble. The Butterflyway Project has seeds for 9 vulnerable species and will be working towards increasing access to others on the list for next fall.
Driven to repair and heal our broken ecosystem, the Ecoeast Butterflyway Rangers are available to give workshops, come into schools, help build pollinator gardens, join seed giveaway events, and share free plants and seeds. The team is currently looking for new members to join them in sharing their message, seeds and plants. You do not have to be knowledgeable about native plants. Training will be provided. If you are interested contact Shauna Wanamaker at [email protected].
You can also connect with us at the upcoming events where we will have seeds to share:
In Vankleek Hill: Vankleek Hill Seed Swap, February 21, Knox Church, 29 Highway 34, 10 am to 2 pm.
In Rockland: Growing Green: Gardening and Sustainability Fair, March 1, L’Escale High School, 1535 Du Parc Ave, Rockland, 10 am to 4 pm
In Cornwall: Cornwall Seedy Saturday, March 14, Benson Center, 780 7th St. W, 10 am to 2 pm.
For more information about Ontario native wildflowers and grasses, go to Butterflyway Project of SDG and Prescott-Russell on Facebook
