Planting Paradise, Growing the Corridor: Corporations Get on Board

Planting paradise at Terrapure

 Published October 5, 2017
​Building Hamilton's Pollinator Corridor requires all hands on shovels. We need the participation of people from across the diverse sectors of the community. That's why we are thrilled to put two local corporate partners on the map: Terrapure Environmental and the Hamilton Port Authority have joined us in planting critically needed habitat on their properties.
The last few days, we've been digging in the dirt together and planting native plant species in anticipation of drawing pollinators to these sites.
The largest pollinator "patch" within our corridor, Terrapure is transforming a closed landfill into a paradise by planting three acres of  habitat at the Heritage Green Passive Park in upper Stoney Creek.
 “We saw this initiative as a wonderful opportunity to provide much-need pollinator habitat and educate the public about the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem," said Michael Jovanovic, VP of Environmental Affairs at Terrapure. "We hope our actions will encourage residents and businesses to consider starting their own pollinator paradise at home or work.

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Terrapure Planting

At Terrapure

Last Saturday, local volunteers from across Hamilton helped plant four unique wildflower gardens on the property that will provide pollinator habitats to feed specific pollinator species. Each demonstration garden will have an interpretative sign explaining the species of plants and the importance of various pollinators to our local ecosystem.
Residents were given the opportunity to purchase similar native plants for their home gardens at a native plant sale featuring local growers. Everyone in attendance also took home a package of free pollinator wildflower seeds.
Lynda Lukasik, Executive Director Environment Hamilton, says "It is fantastic to see such a large area of a closed landfill site being transformed into productive pollinator habitat. I'm hopeful Terrapure's initiative will inspire other private sector players to consider how they might do the same!”

Jen Baker, Land Trust Manager with the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, said “Many Hamilton residents have been planting native wildflowers in their private yards, schools and places of worship. Terrapure’s Pollinator Paradise will be our largest habitat to date and extends Hamilton’s Pollinator Corridor into upper Stoney Creek.”
The new project can also serve as a pollinator corridor between Felker’s Conservation Area and the new East Mountain Conservation Area. Check out the coverage in the spec.com.

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​Pier 15: Hamilton Port Authority

Port Authority Planting

While Terrapure invites the neighbourhood, the local school and the broader public to join in planting habitat and help with maintaining the site, the Hamilton Port Authority is planting paradise within the seclusion of its gates. 
Last week, staff from the Pollinator Paradise Project assisted Port Authority staff in getting plants into the soil. 
"We had a great experience with the Pollinators Paradise Project, and appreciated the team’s expertise and guidance along the way," says Sharon Clark, Manager, Community Relations.
There are plans to expand the pollinator garden beyond the current site. 
"This garden is the first pollinator garden at the Port of Hamilton,' Sharon says. "We are now scoping out more spaces where the port lands can contribute to a pollinator corridor in Hamilton."
Sharon describes the planting as serving as an educational opportunity for their staff, as well as "a demonstration site to encourage some of our tenant partners to come on board."
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With the desire to strengthen connection with community, the Port Authority opened its doors to the public twice in the past week for a tour of Pier 15 site. 
We understand that going forward, there will more opportunities made available for more tours open to the public. 

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They are feeding pollinators!