Ten acres of land near Walkerton are being turned into new habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
Folmer Landscaping, Botanical Gardens and Garden Centre has created a native meadow on its rural property using more than 20 species of Ontario grasses and wildflowers.
The project was developed with the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Grey County Agricultural Services, with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Site preparation began in the fall of 2025 before the meadow was hand-seeded by staff from Folmer Landscaping and Prairie Song Nursery.
Milkweed was included in the seed mix to provide breeding habitat for Monarch butterflies, while the broader planting is expected to support bees, birds, and other pollinators.
Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau says projects that protect natural areas are important to the region.
"From our shorelines and forests to our towns and farms, Bruce County’s natural environment is deeply connected to our way of life," said Charbonneau. "We all have a role to play in protecting it."
The meadow is also expected to help reduce erosion, slow and filter stormwater and store carbon in the soil.
Organizers say the project is the first of its kind in the Walkerton area and builds on previous biodiversity work completed by Folmer Landscaping.
Owner Brian Folmer says he hopes the site will become more established over the coming years.
"We are grateful for their support and collaboration and look forward to the meadow maturing and developing in the next few years," said Folmer. "We encourage everyone to consider using pollinator-friendly plants in their gardens and properties."
Pollinators are considered important to agriculture because many crops depend on bees, butterflies, moths, and other species to reproduce.
