GUELPH – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) celebrated Pollinator Week (June 21-27) with a renewed commitment to environmental sustainability
“We have always looked at our new building at 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd. as an investment in our community, and that includes the natural spaces around us,” states executive director Adrienne McBride in a press release.
“Our new home is sitting on nearly three acres of land. It was always part of our vision to create a space that will enhance local biodiversity, positively impact local pollinator populations, and provide an opportunity for education and awareness through special programming and educational signage.”
Thanks to grants from TD Friends of the Environment, as well as Pollination Guelph, GHS is establishing approximately of 12,400 square feet of pollinator habitat, located in four areas on their property – which is adjacent to a 165 acre environmental reserve.
With their $20,000 grant to GHS, TD Friends of the Environment will be naming a section of the pollinator habitat that will be open to the public.
“I think that’s one of the most exciting parts of our pollinator gardens,” McBride said.
“So much of this project can be visited and enjoyed by the public – not only on our property, but also while using the public trail system that goes along our fence.”
The $800 grant from Pollination Guelph was put towards planting materials, as well as interpretive signage. McBride said there will be so much to learn and see.
“We have planted 14 species of shrubs, 10 species of ornamental grasses and perennials – and that doesn’t even include the native trees we have planted across the property,” McBride adds.
“We have planted over 70 trees, from 14 native species. In 10 to 15 years from now, when these trees have grown, 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd. is going to have a truly exceptional outdoor space for our animals and community to enjoy.”
GHS is also incorporating bird-friendly measures at the new building, which will include stickers to prevent bird strikes.
Window collisions are one of the leading causes of bird deaths in Canada, killing 16 million to 42 million birds a year.
To learn more about the GHS pollinator gardens and Green commitment, visit to www.guelphhumane.ca/green.
