A ‘sweet’ way to fight climate change, promote biodiversity in urban landscapes
This summer, a great crew of hard-working volunteers gathered to plant wildflowers and native prairie plants at the base of our solar array.
As interest in renewable solar energy increases across the world experiencing a changing climate, this project is an inspiring example of how otherwise unused or under-utilized land adjacent to a productive solar array can be repurposed.
The restored lands will serve as habitat for important food pollinators – who are facing habitat loss at an alarming rate – and other species.
A 'Sweet' Story
Located next to FortWhyte Farms' apiary, this is a “sweet” good news story about how people in our community are coming together to fight climate change, restore habitat and encourage biodiversity – all within city limits.
We're happy to report that, in just a few short weeks, flowers are blooming and the solar pollinator garden is already attracting wild bumblebees and other important food pollinators.
Small Action, Big Impact
“You have solar panels, native prairie plants, wild pollinators and honeybees all in one space, working together. It’s a really neat example of what real action toward fighting climate change and investing in biodiversity can look like,” says FortWhyte Farms Manager, Danielle Mondor.
Showing What is Possible
“Climate change is real and we’re doing what we can take action and inspire people to do what they can. We really hope that this project will serve as a model and showcase what is possible, even in urban environments,” said Mondor.
Thanks to you!
Thank you to the many supporters, including generous support for this investment in solar power from Manitoba Hydro, Bullfrog Power, IG Wealth Management, and Sycamore Energy Inc, and additional support for the pollinator garden from WWF-Canada Go Wild Community Grants.
Of course, thank you to FortWhyte Alive volunteers who are the ones on the ground, working hard to restore, regenerate and do good for the planet.
To learn more about volunteering at FortWhyte Alive, visit fortwhyte.org/volunteering.