THUNDER BAY — Among the flying creatures that help in pollination, bees are arguably the most efficient. But other insects also get into the act.
That's one of the messages Leola Palmer plans to deliver on Saturday at the latest promotion of the Adelaide Butterfly Garden along Thunder Bay's Boulevard Lake.
"I find there has been an increase in the knowledge of the importance of pollination," Palmer said on Tuesday.
Pollen grains contain a portion of DNA that plants need to grow, including the ones humans eat. The grains are spread by the wind, the plants themselves, or by a variety of insects, including butterflies.
Palmer said her favourite pollinator is the monarch butterfly, which last year was put on Canada's endangered species list.
She says the butterfly garden, which is considered unique among Canadian cities, creates a sanctuary for monarchs following their annual migration from Mexico.
The garden consists of native plants that grow on a vacant Adelaide Street lot owned by the City of Thunder Bay. It was established in 2018 by former city electrician Dan Fulton. Fulton died in 2021.
The project continues under the stewardship of a handful of volunteers like Palmer.
"When Dan died, we didn't want (the garden) to end, we wanted to continue his dream," she said.
The city, which supports the project, erected a tool shed on the property. Volunteers rely on modest grants to buy tools and other supplies.
"We want to add more native plants," Palmer said, adding, "We've had great support from the city."
At Saturday's garden tour, Fort William First Nation Elder Tony DePerry is to give an Indigenous perspective on environmental stewardship.
The garden is located at 420 Adelaide Street. Saturday's event is to take place between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Chronicle Journal / Local Journalism Initiative
