Gardening is a fun and accessible way to get outside and learn about nature close to home.
Whether you have a large backyard or a small balcony space, you and your family can create an outdoor oasis that supports native plants, pollinators and other creatures.
From toddlers to grandparents, we’ve put together a set of videos, educational resources, projects and outdoor ideas to engage the whole family in at-home learning and habitat conservation. Let’s dig in!
Watch
Get started on your garden adventure by learning about the basic components of a wildlife-friendly garden – food, water and shelter – with CWF’s playlist of how-to videos!
You can also register to attend a live, interactive webinar with pollinator garden blogger, Berit Erickson. Berit will share her personal experience transforming her urban garden from ornamental to wildlife friendly. Discover how easy it can be!
Plant It and They Will Come (English Only)
May 26, 2020
9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 pm ET
Register to attend
Learn
A garden, no matter how big or small, is packed full of learning opportunities for family members of all ages and abilities! With the educational resources below, you can embrace outdoor play, learn how pollinators benefit from urban greenspace, and get tips for transforming your own garden!
- Leaf rubbings – Leaf rubbings are a fun and creative way for young ones to play with nature and colour!
- Wildlife-friendly garden colouring page – Kids can explore the elements of a wildlife-friendly garden through this creative colouring activity.
- Wild Spaces online classroom – This online classroom provides hands-on lesson plans and activities to get kids learning about pollinators and why they are important.
- Gardening for Wildlife – Looking for gardening tips? Wondering what plants to include in your garden to support local wildlife? This page is packed with helpful information for both beginner and experienced gardeners!
Do
Ready to take the next step? Put all your newfound knowledge into action by transforming your own outdoor space! Check out these projects to help your family create a haven for bugs, birds and wildlife.
- Build a balcony garden – Small space? No problem! With these tips you can bring your balcony to life!
- Microhabitat projects – These projects offer accessible opportunities for people of all abilities to create and enjoy habitat for wildlife, including ideas for those in wheelchairs or who are visually impaired.
- Certify your garden as Wildlife-friendly – Follow these steps to certify your garden with CWF and receive official recognition!
- Fairy garden – Get young kids excited about gardening by creating your own fairy garden!
Get Outside
Getting outside in the garden can be good for both our bodies and minds. Next time you’re out in your garden or greenspace, why not try these simple mindfulness activities together as a family?
- Find a spot to sit with your eyes closed. What do you notice? Pay attention to the feeling of the wind or the sunshine on your skin.
- Choose a plant in your garden to examine. Gently rub its leaves or flowers with your fingers. What do they feel like? What do they smell like?
- Spend five minutes talking about your favourite type of weather. Why do you like it? How does it make you feel? What do you like to do outside during that weather?
Don’t miss a Weekly Wild update! Sign up for free at the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Reconnecting Canadians.
How did these activities go? Do you have your own activities to share? Connect with us in the comments below or on social media using #WeeklyWILD.
Kailey Setter
Kailey is the Experiential Education Manager at the Canadian Wildlife Federation. With over 10 years of experience in conservation and environmental education, she still geeks-out when people ask, “how can I get involved and learn more?”
