GUELPH, ON (June 21, 2021) – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is celebrating Pollinator Week (June 21-27) with a renewed commitment to our community’s 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,” says Adrienne McBride, Executive Director of GHS. “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 sq ft 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 says. “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 says 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.”
Students can get a sneak peek of the pollinator gardens as GHS hosts one last virtual field trip for the school year. “Wild about Pollinators!” will be live on YouTube this Wednesday (June 23) at 10am. For those who can’t make it at 10am, the video will be made available right after, using the same link: https://youtu.be/FBDEG-8JlNE.
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 16-42 million birds a year.
To learn more about the GHS pollinator gardens, as well as their Green Commitment, head to www.guelphhumane.ca/green.
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About the Guelph Humane Society
The Guelph Humane Society advocates for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives it can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year in Guelph and Wellington County. GHS is a registered charitable, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. Visit www.guelphhumane.ca to discover more.
Follow GHS:
Facebook: @guelphhumanesociety
Twitter: @guelphhumane
Instagram: @the_ghs
Media Contact
Natalie Thomas
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Guelph Humane Society
519-824-3091
nthomas@guelphhumane.ca