You might think participating in conservation is impossible to do as an urban Canadian, but there are a lot of ways to participate & ultimately help our cities increase their urban biodiversity.

By Marina de Pina-Jenkins

Why is this important?

Biodiversity is one of the key parts of a healthy ecosystem. Biodiversity of plants, animals, insects and more all contribute to a city that is more climate stable & resilient than those with less biodiversity. 

Habitat loss, from agriculture, forestry & urbanization, are the greatest threat to species in Canada. 

Who has the power to change this? You. 

The average Canadian has the most power and ability to take action on environmental improvement in Canada. This is not about pointing out other areas in our life we should be doing better. It is about doing SOMETHING rather than letting our fear of judgement from others, prevent us from doing anything at all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

How can we help?

🌞 Add native plants on your balcony

🌱 Create green roofs

🍁 Support the #landback movement to bring back Indigenous stewardship practices

🐾 Rethink our relationship with animals and nature

🍓 Growing your own food (even if it’s only for 2 months every year)

💦 Convert unused lawns into thriving ecosystems to support pollinators or grow food through urban farming initiatives

🌸 Add a living wall to the place you spend most of your day

🥒 Join a community garden

🦌 Put in place ecological corridors (we need these in urban spaces too!) 

🏙 Review our land use, development & urbanization patterns

🌳 Prioritize education, conversation & habitat restoration

✅ Pressure decision-makers to keep important habitats safe

💪 Speak up and take action

For some of these, there is a lot of opportunity for local businesses & politics to lead the way. However, if this hasn’t been done yet in your city (they’ve known the benefits of these for 30+ years) it’s likely not happening because of lack of leadership. Would you step up to be a pillar of positive change in your community? Petition apartment buildings to allow food growing space, ask the city for more trees to plant on your street, ask for donations from a local hardware store to help & more! The possibilities end the same place your imagination does. 

If you’re part of a project, please share with us on social media using #CanadasPositiveImpact.

By Marina de Pina-Jenkins (She/Her) 

Eco Communicator & Founder of Una Terra
@Blackberrytrees