City offers residents free Monarch-friendly plant kits and new ways to get involved

RICHMOND HILL – As part of their commitment to protecting pollinators, Richmond Hill Council proclaimed August 22 as Flight of the Monarch Day. Throughout August, the City will celebrate with opportunities for residents to support and learn about the magnificent Monarch butterfly, why it’s important to the health of our ecosystems and how to help protect them.   

Free Monarch-friendly Plant Kits (while supplies last)

The City is offering free Monarch-friendly plant kits to residents, so they can help restore butterfly habitat by planting a Monarch-friendly garden on their property. Kits will be available to residents on a first come, first served basis beginning Tuesday, August 11. Each kit contains 10 seedlings including at least four milkweed plants, as Monarch caterpillars rely on milkweed for food.

Residents can order their kit online at RichmondHill.ca/Pollinators. Distribution of pre-ordered kits will take place via drive-thru pickup on Wednesday, August 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot at Tom Graham Arena. There is a limit of one kit per Richmond Hill household while supplies last.

Monarch Webinar Series

The City and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) are partnering to offer a free Monarch webinar series. Participants will learn how to attract and protect native pollinators, such as Monarch butterflies and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds with beautiful landscape features. They’ll also learn about the special relationship between Monarchs and milkweed, the fascinating transformation from egg to butterfly and the butterflies’ annual migration from Canada to Mexico.

• Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden - Monday August 10, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• From Milkweed to Monarchs... For Kids - Wednesday August 12, 1 - 2 p.m.
• From Milkweed to Monarchs... For Kids - Wednesday August 19, 1 - 2 p.m.

Residents can register online at RichmondHill.ca/Pollinators.

Community Collage

The City is creating a virtual community collage to show off beautiful wildflower and pollinator gardens throughout Richmond Hill. Residents are invited to take a close-up photo of their wildflower and/or pollinator garden, tree or plant and submit it via email to greeningthehill@richmondhill.ca or through Twitter (@GreeningtheHill). Submissions will be accepted until Friday, August 14.

Participants can look for their photo online at RichmondHill.ca/Pollinators and on the City’s Twitter channels on Saturday, August 22 in celebration of Flight of the Monarch Day! 

Quotes

“We know how important the Monarch butterfly is to the health of our natural environment and to our food supply. But they need our help. Richmond Hill is committed to protecting pollinators by creating habitat on City property and by helping residents to do the same at home. I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating Flight of the Monarch Day and learning more about these magnificent creatures and what you can do to protect them.” – Mayor Dave Barrow

“The best thing we can do to support any species at risk, including the Monarch butterfly, is to create or conserve habitat, which aligns perfectly with this initiative. Monarch Nation and TRCA are so grateful for Richmond Hill’s support of, and involvement in, Flight of the Monarch Day. #FeelTheFlutter!” – Rachel Stewart, Program Manager, Monarch Nation, TRCA 

Quick Facts

• Pollinators, such as the Monarch butterfly play an important role in the production of our food.  It is estimated that 35 per cent of global crop production relies on pollinators.
• The Monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable and well-studied butterflies on the planet. Their epic 5,000-kilometre migration from eastern Canada to the forests of central Mexico begins in late August each year.
• Monarch populations are on the decline and while they have begun to rebound thanks to the collective efforts of individuals, groups and communities, they still need our help.
• Flight of the Monarch Day is a Canada-wide initiative of the TRCA which aims to protect and raise awareness about the Monarch butterfly.

Media Contact
Kathleen Graver, Manager Communication Services
kathleen.graver@richmondhill.ca