This year, the Rotary Club of Kanata is marking its 25th anniversary by giving back in a big way. Through an inspiring new partnership with the Kanata North Regeneration Stewards, we’re transforming parts of the Kanata North Hydro Corridor into beautiful pollinator gardens, supporting local biodiversity and creating green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Join us on 11 October 2024 at 12:00 p.m. for a special launch event at the KNCG Friendship Garden. Enjoy coffee, biscuits, and a guided walk as we celebrate this milestone together and look forward to a greener future for our community!
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This year, the Rotary Club of Kanata is celebrating its 25th anniversary in a special way—by deepening our roots in the community and contributing to the regeneration of our local environment. In a powerful new partnership with the Kanata North Regeneration Stewards (KN Regens), we are transforming underutilised sections of the Kanata North Hydro Corridor into thriving pollinator gardens, creating green spaces that will benefit both residents and wildlife for years to come.
A Milestone Marked by Environmental Action
At a recent Rotary meeting, we were honoured to welcome Lyndee Wolf, Project Lead of the KN Regens, to officially sign the partnership agreement. This meeting marked the beginning of an exciting journey for our club, the KN Regens, and the wider community. This collaboration represents more than just planting flowers—it’s about taking action for the environment, protecting critical habitats, and creating a vibrant, sustainable landscape that residents can take pride in. The Hydro Corridor, a long-standing utility space in Kanata North, is now being reimagined as a beautiful habitat filled with native wildflowers that provide food and shelter for essential pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds.
Why Pollinator Gardens Matter
Pollinators play a vital role in keeping our ecosystems and food supplies healthy. However, urban development, pesticide use, and climate change have led to major habitat loss, putting these species at risk. By restoring these native plant patches, we are not only supporting the local environment but also educating the community on sustainable land use and the value of biodiversity. This project is part of Rotary International’s broader focus on environmental sustainability and demonstrates our club’s ongoing commitment to being #PeopleOfAction.
Partnering with Kanata North Regeneration Stewards
The Kanata North Regeneration Stewards, a project of the Ottawa Stewardship Council (OSC), is leading the charge in restoring local biodiversity by transforming underutilised sections of the Kanata North Hydro Corridor into thriving pollinator gardens. This group of passionate volunteers is dedicated to creating green spaces that support local wildlife and enhance the natural beauty of the community. The Rotary Club of Kanata is proud to partner with KN Regens to make this vision a reality and to further our commitment to environmental sustainability.
“We’re incredibly excited to join forces with the Rotary Club of Kanata on this project,” said Lyndee Wolf, founder of the Kanata North Regeneration Stewards and Project Lead. “This partnership allows us to take our restoration efforts to the next level and engage even more of the community in caring for the environment. By combining our knowledge of local ecosystems with Rotary’s long-standing tradition of service, we’re building something truly impactful that will benefit both people and pollinators for years to come.”
You’re Invited: Celebrate With Us on 11 October!
We’re kicking off this project with a community celebration on 11 October 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the KNCG Friendship Garden, located at the entrance to the Kanata North Community Garden (just north of Klondike Road). Everyone is welcome to join us for coffee, biscuits, and a guided walk through the gardens to learn more about this exciting initiative and see the positive change we’re creating.
“Environmental stewardship is one of Rotary International’s key areas of focus, and through this partnership, we are putting our environmental pillar into action by supporting the regeneration of critical pollinator habitats that strengthen our community and protect our shared natural resources,” said Ruth Hawkins, President of the Rotary Club of Kanata.
A Shared Vision for Kanata’s Future
The Rotary Club of Kanata is committed to supporting KN Regens’ restoration efforts by funding their 2024-2025 winter sowing season. This funding will allow the purchase of seeds and supplies to expand the gardens, grow even more native plants, and boost local biodiversity. Through ongoing collaboration, we hope to see more sections of the Hydro Corridor transformed into diverse urban meadows, making these spaces not only a sanctuary for pollinators but also beautiful areas for the community to enjoy.
“This project is about more than just planting flowers—it’s about bringing people together to create something meaningful for our community,” said Charles Berlinguette, the Rotary member who led the partnership. “When neighbours, families, and volunteers work side by side, we’re not just restoring habitats—we’re building stronger connections and fostering a shared sense of pride in our neighbourhood. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we unite around a common purpose.”
Join Us in Growing a Greener Community
We invite everyone—garden enthusiasts, families, and anyone who cares about the environment—to be part of this movement. Whether you’re a gardening pro or simply looking for a way to give back, there’s a spot for you to get involved. Visit KN Regens’ website to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities or to sign up for their winter-sowing days.
So mark your calendars and come out to the launch event on 11 October! Let’s celebrate 25 years of Rotary service and start a new chapter of growth, community building, and environmental stewardship together.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@kanatarotary.com or visit our website. We hope to see you there!
