R.L. Beattie Public School students spent June 16 planting native wildflowers and shrubs at Kivi Park.
The effort is part of a regreening endeavour at the popular South End park. The 126 students will be planting 1,265 native shrubs and wildflowers around the park.
The regreening project is supported to the tune of $25,000 by TD Bank.
In a release to media, Kivi events co-ordinator Paulena Moote said not only will the planting regreen the park, but will also be incorporated into the programming at the park.
“We are super excited to watch Kivi bloom over the next few years as the planted native shrubs and wildflowers come to life,” Moote wrote. “Post event initiatives include incorporation of teachings about wildflowers, pollination, diversity and traditional use of these plants to ensure continued and accessible teachings.”
The R.L. Beattie students spent the morning planting and the afternoon hanging out around the park.
“Students in Grade 5 and 6 from R.L. Beattie are excited to help support the TD planting project at Kivi Park,” said Kelly McCulley, the school principal. “Our students are committed to making a difference in our community and learning more about what they can do to lower their carbon footprint. Beattie is a platinum recognized eco-school which has achieved this rating by participating in green initiatives and learning opportunities that support a greener planet.”
Jenny Fortier of Northern Wildflowers, which provided the native plants, said the effort not only supports the park itself, but the natural environment as well.
“Our team is excited to support Kivi Park in adding more native plants to the park that will support pollinators and wildlife,” Fortier said.
And finally, John Doris, TD’s district vice-president of commercial banking for Northern Ontario, said the bank is proud to support the work.
“TD Bank is committed to helping create a more vibrant planet, including supporting community parks given their ability to connect people to nature and each other,” he said. “Kivi Park delivers in this regard and the wildflower planting event offers the added bonus of inspiring kids to learn about the environment.”
