© Mohawk College

In The Zone

Help create havens for native birds, bees, butterflies and other native wildlife.

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Overview

Help nature thrive wherever you are

*In light of the rapidly evolving coronavirus outbreak, please practice social distancing and follow government guidelines for gatherings and activities. Your health and your safety are our top priorities.*

Through In the Zone you will be outside getting your hands dirty creating native habitat for wildlife. You will be part of transforming some area of campus, big or small, by planting native plants and reconnecting gardens and green spaces to the natural landscape.

Native plants help reverse biodiversity loss

Gardening comes in many forms and is a popular way for people to connect with nature in urban areas. Traditional gardens have lost their connection with the natural landscape. This isn’t good for native birds, bees and butterflies that co-evolved with native plants. In fact, the imported varieties we normally plant often have little food or habitat value for wildlife.

When you use native plants in local green spaces you are reconnecting those spaces to the natural landscape. And no experience is required! Planting even one native plant will make a difference.

Help the spaces where you live and learn become part of a healthy and resilient future for wildlife and people. Whether you’re living in residence, off-campus, or at home, with In the Zone you can create healthy habitat for wildlife that suits your space.

As part of In The Zone you will be able to:

  • Grow healthy natural habitat for native species
  • Record the impact you make on biodiversity
  • Connect with like-minded individuals and celebrate healthy habitats

 

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© Michael Lee

Create healthy habitat one step at a time

Do you live in Southern Ontario?

The Carolinian Zone in southern Ontario is a hotspot for biodiversity, home to one-third of Canada’s at-risk plants and animals. It is also home to a quarter of the Canadian population, contributing to the fragmentation of natural habitat. Creating healthy habitat is easy. And each garden in the Carolinian Zone is a critical piece for restoring lost habitat.

Resources unique to this area of Canada have been created for you at IntheZoneGardens.ca. All the tips and tools you need to get started can be found at IntheZoneGardens.ca.

Contribute to healthy Canadian habitats

Creating healthy habitat with native plants is easy. To get started, download the Ecozones & Easy to Grow Native Plants resource to explore your region’s needs. You can begin with a small container garden where you live, learn, or work, or start a larger project. Every native plant you add will help to increase the health and resilience of your landscape for wildlife and people too.

Plant big or small

Big or small, watch it grow
Connect with your Campus Sustainability Office for spearheading bigger projects that will convert lawn areas to new native plant habitat.
Connect and share, track and celebrate
Track your impact for healthy habitat, and celebrate your space as part of a healthy, resilient landscape.
Create your own container garden
Create a container garden in residence, off-campus, or at home, adding native plants to existing or new planters on your balcony or in your yard.
Up high, down low
Create new raised beds for native plants or add native plants to existing gardens around campus buildings.

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How-to steps

  1. 1 Find your EcoZone & choose plants

    Download the Ecozones & Easy Grow Native Plants guide to find your ecozone and region’s needs. If you are in southern Ontario's Carolinian zone, visit IntheZone.ca for tools and tips unique to this area.

  2. 2 Are you planting small or big, one or many

    No matter where you live, learn, or work, you can create healthy habitat that suits your needs. Use our Container Garden video and resource to bring to life your own. If you’re interested in creating a larger garden, map out where you would like to start.

  3. 3 Get permission to plant

    Make sure the others who share your space are on board with your project. Whether that’s your roommates, landlord, or your employer, it’s a good idea to share your plans and why it’s important. For projects on campus grounds, contact your campus Sustainability Office or the Grounds & Facilities team to seek permission to start a planting project.

  4. 4 Choose plants & set garden goals

    Use the Ecozones & Easy Grow Native Plants guide to identify the best plants to grow in your region. Set goals for your garden: for example, which birds, butterflies and bees do you want to help?

  5. 5 Record your impact

    Observe the changes and record your results on Living Planet @ Campus. Share tips and plants, connect with others who want to create healthy habitat.
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© Tim Irvin / WWF-Canada Tim Irvin / WWF-Canada

Downloadables

Ecozones & easy grow native plants
Native plant nurseries
Garden elements
Setting garden goals
Resources & links
Container garden guide
Video: container how-to

Why participate

Gain great experience, increase your knowledge and skills and enjoy that special feeling that helping nature inspires!

Project planning and implementation

Gain experience in planning and bringing your project to life. No matter the size, your project will literally grow before your eyes; watch for the wildlife that prefer native plants.

Increase your knowledge and skills

Learn about the value of native plants to wildlife and how to create garden habitats that are healthy and more resilient to climate change.

Make connecting to nature a part of campus life

Making your space more nature-friendly is a satisfying experience and provides both physical and mental health benefits. Even if you are new to gardening, dig in and get your hands dirty. Planting even one native plant will make a difference.

Living Planet Leader

Students who lead or join campus or community garden projects can recognize those efforts under the Leadership and Teamwork category of Living Planet Leader.

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