Hamilton Pollinator Paradise Project & Donut Monster: Pollinator Awareness Campaign

Rosemary Maple Brûlé

For Immediate Release

June 4, 2019
 
Hamilton Pollinator Paradise Project & Donut Monster: Pollinator Awareness Campaign
Celebrating & Raising Awareness About Pollinators Throughout June
 
Pollinators are a sweet deal!
 
That's why the Pollinator Paradise Project is partnering with Donut Monster throughout June to raise awareness about the vital work these little critters do. By pollinating wild plants and food crops, they help provide one out of every three bites of the food we eat.
 
To this end, Donut Monster’s “Pollinator Donut”--a Rosemary Maple Brûlé--delivers a tasty bite with a very serious message.
 
“Pollinator populations are rapidly declining due to factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use,  and climate change,” says Project Manager, Jen Baker. “In fact, the recent UN global biodiversity assessment estimated that about 1 in 10 insect species are threatened with extinction.” The loss of pollinators (and biodiversity in general) means serious negative impacts on the health of our ecosystems.
 
“We’re excited about creating the Maple Rosemary Brûlée donut to bring awareness to the Hamilton Pollinator Paradise Project,” say owners Heidi and Reuben Vanderkwaak. “It is a very tangible way for the community to get involved. The donut has an amazing flavour and we really hope that highlighting this project will cause our customers to stop and consider how they can find simple ways to improve biodiversity in Hamilton.”
 
Many ways to Help.  Many ways to Celebrate.
The Hamilton Pollinator Paradise Project is planting a paradise for pollinators across Hamilton by creating habitat with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Because the need to raise awareness about the plight of pollinators is so urgent, the project is taking National Pollinator Week (June 17-June 23) and making a Pollinator Month of it!
 
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Plant a native species garden, no matter how small! We are inviting everyone in the Hamilton area to create pollinator gardens at home, at work, and community spaces in support of pollinators and the benefits that provide for us all. Check out the website to find out how to start your garden.
2. Already have a pollinator-friendly garden? Certify your garden with the Pollinator Paradise Project and get on the Pollinator Corridor Map! Participants receive a “We are Feeding Pollinators” sign with this FREE Certification Program.
3. Be recognized! Show your support! Raise awareness! Apply to the Hamilton Monarch Awards, a free program that celebrates gardeners that garden for nature. Deadline is June 30th.
4. Help scientists. Participating in citizen science programs that help scientists, like BumbleBeeWatch and eButterfly.
5. Spread the word that we need more pollinator plants and why: Take a photo of a pollinator or a native species plant and tag the project on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hamiltonpollinatorsproject/ Use the hashtag PollinatorParadise
6. Did you know that Ontario has close to 400 different wild bee species? Watch for our Bee a Day on Instagram!
7. DONATE   to the Pollinator Paradise Project!

 
Supporting pollinators is a win-win-win for everyone--pollinators, plants, and people!
Learn more about the project: https://www.hamiltonpollinatorparadise.org/
 
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Beatrice Ekoko, Communications Manager at bekoko@environmenthamilton.org or call 905 549 0900.

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