In The Zone
Help create havens for native birds, bees, butterflies and other native wildlife.
Help create havens for native birds, bees, butterflies and other native wildlife.
*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.
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:
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.
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.
Help protect threatened species and their habitats.