by Nicole Dubé, Freshwater Health Coordinator
In the urban landscape of Ottawa, Ontario, greening initiatives are taking root—one small garden at a time. Across the city, community groups joined together to embark on greening projects. From pollinator gardens to rain gardens and community plots, these projects offer many benefits to both ecosystems and the communities they serve. Learn more about these local projects and how you can start your own!
Pollinator Gardens
Many of Canada’s pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, and pesticide use. Pollinator gardens provide essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to the health and resilience of local ecosystems. These gardens also enhance biodiversity, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.
Community Spotlight: Kanata Muslim Association project
Kanata Muslim Association created an urban pollinator garden along the fenceline next to their driveway and parking lot. Volunteers worked together to remove invasive species and plant native species that will help support local pollinators. Selected species included Butterfly Milkweed, Smooth Oxeye, Prairie Dropseed, and Foxglove Beardtongue. They installed rain barrels to help reduce runoff and capture water for use in their garden. Afterwards, Kanata Muslim Association worked with their local community association to host an ‘Eco-Harvest’ event. The event featured pollinator meadow and rainwater harvesting tours, fun activities for families, and nature-based resources to take home.
Community Spotlight: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church’s pollinator garden project
On Earth Day in 2023, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church hosted a youth pollinator workshop. At this event, high school students learned about the benefits of pollinators, the importance of native plants, and how to take action to protect pollinators in their community. Later that year, volunteers worked together to create a pollinator garden behind the church. They planted species that will help support local pollinators, such as Butterfly Milkweed, Wild Bergamot, and Black-eyed Susan.
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens help manage stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion while replenishing groundwater supplies. They act as natural filters, trapping pollutants from runoff water before it enters waterways. This is important for improving the water quality overall. Additionally, rain gardens create habitat for various species of birds, insects, and amphibians.
Community Spotlight: Rhoda Masjid’s rain garden project
Rhoda Masjid created an urban rain garden to help manage stormwater and foster biodiversity through newly planted species. They also hosted a knowledge-sharing workshop to teach the public about the spiritual connection to gardening, soil health, and actions that people can take to protect their local freshwater.
Community Gardens
Community gardens provide fresh produce, promote sustainable food practices, and foster a sense of belonging and community pride. These shared spaces encourage social interaction, physical activity, and environmental education, strengthening bonds within neighborhoods and empowering individuals to take an active role in caring for their environment.
Community Spotlight: Carleton Memorial Church’s community garden project
Volunteers planted vegetables in garden beds next to Carleton Memorial United Church and celebrated with a community potluck. Each garden bed provided fresh vegetables to families living at the Debra Dynes Family House. The garden produced many tomatoes, peppers, carrots, lettuce, and more!
Whether you’re inspired to start your own pollinator garden, curious about rain gardens, or eager to join a community garden, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Resources like the Freshwater Stewardship Engagement Toolkit offer valuable guidance and support for individuals and groups looking to make a positive impact on their communities. Get your hands dirty and cultivate a greener, brighter tomorrow through the simple act of gardening!
This blog is part of a series generously funded by the Ottawa Community Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, and the Living Cities Canada Fund of Green Communities Canada. The two-year Ottawa Faith Community Capacity Building Program was led by Watersheds Canada and Greening Sacred Spaces.