Explore Biodiversity with us!

As the weather gets warmer, many are getting outside more and are reconnecting with nature while enjoying its health and wellness benefits.

While outside, a great way to connect with nature is to learn more about its biodiversity in local neighbourhoods and nearby natural areas. Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth, as all species are interconnected and help contribute to the stability and health of ecosystems. For example, bees are important to biodiversity because they pollinate (or fertilize) flowers and fruits. So, they are essential to the food we eat as well as the plant life found in ecosystems (See Canadian Wildlife Federation for more facts). It is valuable to become more familiar with pollinators (such as bees), native plants, and wildlife, as they are all important to sustaining the health of the planet.
Do you know why native wildflowers are attractive to Monarch Butterfly and Bumble Bees? Which grass can store carbon dioxide and thus help fight climate change? For the month of June, we’ll be helping everyone explore biodiversity by sharing some interesting facts (on Facebook and Twitter) about native wildflowers, grasses, and wildlife in Canada.

There are also many ways to help protect and support biodiversity locally:

1. Try planting native wildflowers at home: This will support pollinators, provide habitat to animals, and create a beautiful view. Wildflowers and grasses attract pollinators like bees, birds, butterflies, and insects, and there are many native plant species to choose from (check out Sheridan’s Wildflower Garden and Medicine Wheel Garden) that will thrive in conditions suited to different spaces.

2. Celebrate biodiversity through joining the conversation around themed days, for example:

• June 8 is World Oceans Day: Share with others the importance of biodiversity in oceans and water bodies, and how waste negatively affects marine and plant life. Do your part by reducing single use plastics, and consider participating in future shoreline cleanups once they resume.
• June 19-25 is National Pollinator Week: Help support pollinators by planting native wildflowers, or observe pollinators in greenspaces during a walk. Join the conversation using #pollinatorweek and learn from others about pollinators.

Connect with us through social media or missionzero@sheridancollege.ca to let us know how you’re exploring biodiversity this month, and what you’ve been able to identify!