In 2025 Rewilders continued to maintain and expand the 1km Pollinator Pathway, a network of 13 small native plant gardens located on boulevards, school grounds, and community spaces across Palmerston–Little Italy and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Funding provided by the Parkdale Horticultural Society supported the ongoing maintenance of these gardens throughout the growing season. Maintenance activities included weeding, watering, plant replacement, soil care, and general stewardship to ensure the long-term health of the habitat plantings.
These gardens are planted with native species, providing food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while also creating accessible green spaces for the community.
Key Activities in 2025
Pollinator Pathway Expansion
One of the highlights of the season was the creation of a new Pollinator Pathway garden in the Green P parking lot, extending the existing habitat corridor. The garden was planted with native plugs grown by Rewilders earlier in the season at the Downsview Park Volunteer Greenhouse, demonstrating how local propagation can support community-based habitat projects.
Garden Stewardship and Maintenance
Throughout the season, Rewilders coordinated ongoing stewardship across all gardens along the Pollinator Pathway. Maintenance work included:
- Removal of invasive plants
- Watering during dry periods
- Seasonal plant care and monitoring
- Replanting and strengthening plant communities
- Mulching to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and appearance
Volunteer support played an important role in maintaining some of the larger gardens.
Members of the North American Native Plant Society Restoration Committee provided valuable assistance with maintenance at the Manning & Bloor Boulevard Garden, one of the largest gardens in the pathway.
Plants Grown and Installed
During the 2025 season, Rewilders planted approximately 500 native plants across the Pollinator Pathway gardens.
In addition to plants installed in the gardens, many additional seedlings (750+) grown through the Downsview Park Volunteer Greenhouse program were shared with community projects and neighbourhood residents to support the creation of additional pollinator habitat.
Community Engagement
Rewilders also hosted several educational activities throughout the year.
During World Environment Day, Rewilders led a guided walk to the Manning & Bloor Boulevard Garden, highlighting how community members and the City of Toronto can collaborate to create vibrant urban habitat.
Later in the season, a second tour was hosted for Live Green Toronto volunteers, visiting multiple gardens along the Pollinator Pathway and discussing native plants, pollinator conservation, and community stewardship.
Community Impact
The Pollinator Pathway gardens act as ecological steppingstones within the city, supporting native pollinators while also creating welcoming neighbourhood green spaces.
The gardens are maintained primarily through volunteer stewardship and community
Partnerships, demonstrating how small urban spaces can contribute to biodiversity when cared for collectively.
Acknowledgment
Rewilders is grateful to the Parkdale Horticultural Society for supporting the stewardship of the Pollinator Pathway gardens. Your contribution helps ensure that these small urban habitats continue to flourish and provide ecological and educational benefits for the community.
