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COMMUNITY POLLINATOR GARDEN AT SILVER CREEK PARK

Friends of Silver Creek are excited for the Pollinator Project at Silver Creek Park.

To ensure we meet all application requirements Friends of Silver and the Pollinator Project Committee will be planning and working on the 2025 submission to the City of Toronto to fund a pollinator garden in Silver Creek Park for 2026.

 

In order to be approved and receive funds, the grant has very specific guidelines on what is permissible regarding planting, tools used, watering, garden location, etc. There will also be a report post-project that is required to report on all deliverables and funds allotted for the project.

 

The application also requires a significant amount of detail including the names of individuals from the community who will commit to contributing to the application, planning, planting, maintaining and sustaining the garden over time.

 

We need a dedicated group who will submit their names on the application to commit to the process, budget and the ongoing sustainability of the project.  Don't worry if you don't have experience with grant applications or know a lot about pollinator gardens - everyone who is committed to the project is welcome!

 

There are interested individuals but given the scope of the project we require 10 individuals that can commit to the time involved in the submission and planning stage and to the project overall.

 

If you are interested in getting involved, sign up for the zoom call for Tuesday, October 15 at 8:00pm or contact Friends of Silver Creek friendsofsilvercreek.to@gmail.com .

 

This is a large project and we are thankful and excited to continue to plan for the proposed pollinator garden(s) in Silver Creek Park.

Birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, small mammals, and most importantly, bees are pollinators.* In addition to the food we eat, pollinators support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils, protect from severe weather, and support other wildlife.

 

The City of Toronto is opening grant applications for funds to create a new pollinator garden for 2026 which is led and managed by community members.

 

The new Friends of Silver Creek Pollinator Project Committee will be working on the submission for funds along with proposed plans for a pollinator garden(s) in Silver Creek Park.

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Once the City of Toronto confirms if we are a recipient of the PollinateTO Grant, plans will begin for the planting, gardening and ongoing maintenance of the Pollinator Garden and that is when we will need more volunteers eager to show up and help put our park pollinator plan into action!

 

This is a large project and we are thankful and excited for our new members and the proposed pollinator garden(s) in Silver Creek Park.

 

Updates will be provided as new information is confirmed.
 

*Pollinator.org

Why are pollinators important?

Toronto is home to a wide range of pollinators, including 364 species of bees and 112 species of butterflies. These insects provide important ecosystem services such as pollination, are an important source of food for birds, and contribute to the biodiversity in our city. Pollination is what allows plants to produce seeds, fruits, and new plants. This is essential for food production and creating o­ur natural landscapes.

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Why should we be concerned about pollinators?

Pollinators are under increasing stress due to habitat loss, invasive species, diseases, pesticides and climate change. Studies have shown that some species are in drastic decline, including the endangered Monarch butterfly and several species of bumblebees including the Rusty-patched bumblebee.

OVERVIEW OF COMMUNITY COMMITTMENT
 

The proposed Community Pollinator Garden at Silver Creek Park is planned, planted, managed and maintained for by the community.

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Below is a short overview of what will be required by the community to be successful in being awarded a grant from PollinateTO.

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The Garden Maintenance Plan should describe how the proposed garden(s) will be cared for and who is responsible for the long term success of the project. ​

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At a minimum, this includes:

  • naming the person(s) or group that will be responsible for long term garden maintenance (For City parks and/or City boulevards, what is the succession plan? If some key members leave your group, can others fill in?);

  • describing the water source that will be used to water your garden(s) as required;

  • discussing the maintenance tasks for each season and the maintenance practices for pollinators; and

  • describing your plant material replacement plans should plants die/need to be replaced

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