Work has begun on a new public butterfly garden in Mountain, and North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser says he hopes it helps local kids learn more about our area’s wildlife.
Fraser says work on the project dates back to last year, when a similar garden was created in Winchester.
“I saw this as an opportunity in North Dundas to do something for the environment that supports the things that, when I think of myself when I was a younger person, and all the monarch butterflies we’d see, and looking for caterpillars, things that don’t happen anymore,” Fraser says.
“There’s not enough butterflies, there’s not enough caterpillars, and that has a detrimental effect.”
The garden is going to be full of plants and wildflowers native to our area, with signs identifying them and their purpose for local animals. Fraser hopes the garden becomes a popular destination for visitors or school field trips.
“Here’s an opportunity: if you want to have an engagement photo taken, and you’re a nature lover, here’s a perfect spot to have your engagement photo taken, in and amongst these natural species, supporting the ecosystem.”
A grand opening event for the new garden is being held on June 13th, to coincide with Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The federal government provided North Dundas with $5,000 in funding for the garden to help commemorate the event.
The garden is being built near the Battle of Hill 70 memorial in Mountain. Students from Nationview Public School will be attending the grand opening ceremony, and if you want to see it with them, it starts at 11:00 AM on the 13th.