A new Whitby pollinator garden is giving students at St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School a living classroom for biodiversity, conservation and environmental stewardship.
The Durham Catholic District School Board announced the project on Monday, September 28. Students recently helped plant the garden through an initiative led by the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, known as CLOCA, with support from community partners.
The project converted part of the school grounds into habitat intended to support local pollinators. Community partners contributed compost and mulch to build the garden’s foundation.
Students take part in hands-on conservation
The school board said the garden will support inquiry-based learning rather than serving only as landscaping. Students are expected to use the space while studying biodiversity, conservation and environmental responsibility.
Planned activities include creating rock plant markers and contributing observations to Bug Quest Canada, an insect-identification and field-study initiative. Those activities will allow students to observe insects and plants directly and record what they find in nature.
Students from Henry Street High School also supported the project by creating colourful crochet squares that are to be installed on the Catholic school’s bike racks.
Garden connects school and community partners
CLOCA led the environmental initiative, while the participating schools and other local partners supplied materials and student work. The school board described the project as part of its commitment to experiential learning and care for the environment.
St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School plans to showcase the garden during its Meet the Teacher Night and Open House, giving families a chance to see the completed habitat and the partnerships behind it.
The board connected the project to its Catholic teaching about care for creation and to this year’s spiritual theme, Shining Our Light. The Whitby pollinator garden is expected to remain available as an outdoor learning space beyond the opening event.
