Background
In 2018, the City of Brampton launched the
Don’t Mow, Let it Grow initiative that focuses on converting select areas of public land covered by turf grass into pollinator habitats and meadows. This initiative will help beautify Brampton and make it a more healthy, resilient and environmentally sustainable city.
Dearbourne Park No-Mow Area
In Spring 2022, a significant milestone was achieved when Dearbourne Park was selected as the first No Mow site within a neighbourhood park. In Summer 2022, the site received overwhelming community support during an August open house, leading to its designation as a pilot project. The purpose of this pilot is to establish a community-led project that focuses on creating and maintaining pollinator habitats in local neighbourhoods, while also providing opportunities for learning about pollinators, biodiversity, and habitat building through the formation of a volunteer community group.
Through this project the City aspires to foster a sense of environmental stewardship among local residents and promote ecological well-being for generations to come.
Project Benefits
- Local biodiversity promotion
- Supporting ecosystem services
- Local climate change mitigation
- Community activation, capacity building and educational opportunities
- Increases park's aesthetic appeal
Engaging the Community
On March 21, 2023 there was an open house at Earnscliffe Recreation Centre on the Dearbourne Park Pollinator Project. The project team presented the proposed project plan, habitat design options and planting plan for community feedback. Open house boards are provided below.
Dearbourne Park Community Group
Through the Adopt-A-Park program, the City of Brampton is facilitating the creation of a volunteer community group that will plant, monitor and maintain the Dearbourne Pollinator Habitat. The community group will be responsible for the planting and long-term maintenance for the success of the habitat by hosting 4 activities per year consisting of planting, weed pulling, litter clean ups, and anything else the group comes up with.
Why volunteer?
- Increase biodiversity in your local ecosystem
- Learn about pollinators, native plants, and gain training from experts
- Connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the environment
- Earn volunteer hours for school
- Enjoy the health benefits of spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activity