Community programs in parks
You can get involved in community stewardship programs in parks throughout spring, summer and fall. This document highlights our activities over the past year (PDF).
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Bee City
The City of Waterloo is recognized as a Bee City due to our efforts to support native pollinators and their habitat. We do this through education and community stewardship on municipal parkland.
Visit Bee City Canada to learn more about the program and take the Canada-wide Pollinator Protection Pledge!
Waterloo's Pollinator Working Group
The City of Waterloo's pollinator working group provides educational experiences and park stewardship activities relating to native pollinators and their habitat.
Check the events calendar for upcoming activities or subscribe to our Bee City e-newsletter.
Become a Pollinator Working Group volunteer
If available, volunteer openings will be posted on our volunteering page in January each year. For more information, view the working group's terms of reference below.
Pollinator Working Group terms of reference |
Our goalThe role of the City of Waterloo’s Pollinator Working Group is to support Bee City Canada program initiatives in Waterloo, committing annually to the following:
StructureWaterloo's pollinator working group consists of up to 12 adult volunteers and a city staff liaison from Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Services. Volunteer roles include:
The city staff liaison provides direction and guidance regarding event opportunities and work plan initiatives, technical support for park stewardship activities, administrative support and assistance with city promotions and design work. The long-term plan and objectives of this staff working group will be reviewed by city staff every 5 years or as required. Dissolution of the working group may be triggered if Bee City Canada designation no longer exists, tasks or mandate have been completed or following a program review process. Meetings and community involvementThe City of Waterloo’s Pollinator Working Group hold monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month (from 6 to 8 p.m.). Meetings generally take place within a city facility but may be held virtually via Microsoft Teams at the discretion of the city staff liaison. Google Drive is used for planning and sharing information. These meetings involve planning our involvement in community events and are not open to public participation. The working group plan their involvement in local community events within Waterloo Region where they offer educational displays and hands-on activities to educate youth and adults about native pollinators and habitat. The working group host community stewardship activities within parks in Waterloo, held weekday evenings from 4 to 6 p.m. or Saturday morning or afternoon. Working group volunteers assist at a minimum of one event or stewardship activity per month from May to October. Appointment
Qualifications for a Pollinator Working Group volunteer
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Community vegetable garden
Gardens are located at local parks and public spaces, and run by a team of volunteers. If you're interested in connecting with a garden or having a garden plot, please see the Community Garden Council of Waterloo Region Directory. If you are interested in a new garden or volunteering please contact gardens@waterloo.ca and view the toolkit.
Park locations:
- Eastbridge Sunset Community Garden
- Heasley Park Healthy Harvest Community Garden
- Patchwork Community Gardens - EMS Site
- Clair Hills Community Garden
- Lakeshore North Community Garden
- Vista Hills Community Garden
Partners in Parks
This program provides an opportunity to make a difference in your neighbourhood park though environmental improvement activities held from May to October every year.
Short-term stewardship activities
Short-term stewardship activities give the chance for groups of any size or type to come together for a day and build community while giving back to the environment.
If you're 18 years of age or older you may organize an activity that:
- takes place between May to October
- is a one-time event
- propose the activity one month in advance
Short-term stewardship activities include:
- birdhouse maintenance and monitoring (PDF)
- litter clean-up (PDF)
- trail mulching (PDF)
Apply now for a short-term stewardship activity
Long-term park projects
Long-term opportunities for park enhancement generally involve ongoing maintenance throughout spring to fall for a three to five year renewable term.
Plan your project now with these application deadlines:
- March 31 for a spring or summer project (May 1 – August 31)
- May 31 for a fall project (September 1 – October 31)
Follow the these steps to submit your project application.
- Select a project of interest:
- Review the Partners in Park program guide (PDF)
- Contact stewardship@waterloo.ca to discuss a new idea or ask questions
Apply for a long term park project
Community plantings
The City is recognized as a Bee City due to our efforts to support native pollinators and their habitat. During September and October, we invite the community to dig in and plant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers in public parks through our community planting program (PDF).
Get involved! Learn more about native pollinators and healthy habitat, meet new people and help green our community, together.
During events, city staff provide direction, supply tools, and gloves. Bring your own water bottle, wear closed-toe footwear and appropriate clothing for natural areas. Those under 18 years must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian.
Naturalization plantings in parks
Our Pollinator Working Group and Friends of Waterloo Park organize small community planting events in parks that you can participate in. Stay tuned for details of upcoming events each fall.
Together, we are greening our community one step at a time.
Large trees for neighbourhood parks
Neighbourhood Associations or neighbourhood groups can host a park project involving the planting and maintenance of up to 15 trees (10-15 gallon) in your neighbourhood park this fall.
1. View the community planting information sheet (PDF).
2. Select a park that meets the criteria.
3. Coordinate with your neighbourhood to see if there is interest.
4. Submit the online application form between early January to May 31.