Community programs in parks

Our goal

The 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:

• stewardship: create, improve and maintain pollinator habitat on municipal parkland
• education: create awareness about native pollinators and habitat by developing educational materials and hosting or participating in community events, workshops and info sessions within Waterloo Region 

Meetings and community involvement

The City of Waterloo's Pollinator Working Group consists of up to 12 adult volunteers and a city staff liaison from Parks, Forestry and Cemetery Services.

Our monthly meetings take place on the first Thursday evening of the month. These meetings involve planning our involvement in community events and are not open to public participation.

Working group volunteers assist at a minimum of one event or stewardship activity per month, which generally take place on weeknights or weekends.

Appointment

• when a position vacancy exists, a volunteer recruitment notice will be published on the city's volunteering page and other sources typically during the month of January or February
• to be eligible for consideration, interested applicants must:
  • read and understand the Pollinator Working Group Terms of Reference (PDF) and Volunteer Position Description (provided when you apply online)
  • complete a volunteer application form and if selected for an interview, provide two references

Pollinator Working Group volunteer qualifications

• must be 18 years of age or older, with preference given to those living, working or studying in the Kitchener-Waterloo area
• knowledge or experience with native pollinators and plants
• experience planning and delivering educational or hands-on experiences for youth and/or adults
• willing to work cooperatively with other volunteers and city staff
• available for monthly meetings and to assist at a minimum of one community event and/or stewardship activity on weekends or weekday evenings each month
• able to undertake moderate physical exertion such as standing at a display booth and carrying display materials, and planting vegetation in natural areas.
• good written and verbal communication skills, good organizational skills
• volunteers may not function in the working group as a representative of a particular agency, organization or interest group 
• position is a minimum one-year term based on your enthusiasm, attendance and productivity on the working group

Complete details about volunteer roles, meetings and community involvement can be found below in the Terms of Reference (PDF).

Pollinator Working Group Terms of Reference

• will approve the park location and provide all hand tools and supplies
• will provide an orientation, leading and monitoring each activity, except for community litter cleanup

Group leaders:

• must be 18 years of age or older
• review our key information and safety guidelines before registering your group activity
• ensure group participants wear protective clothing, have signed a waiver and are directly supervised with project tasks

Group participants:                                                          

• can be family, friends, neighbours, community groups, churches, schools or, corporate teams
• we recommend group participants are at least 14 years of age
• adult participants sign an informed consent form, and include any children under age 18 in their care. 
• will be required to do moderate physical activity such as bending, lifting, pushing wheelbarrows, digging, and walking in natural, uneven terrain

Orientation:

• except for community litter cleanup, the city leads and monitors the activity to ensure tasks are completed safely, this includes initial orientation 
• review our safety guidelines before participating in any group activity  

Personal safety:

• wear protective clothing: 

  • closed-toe footwear, gloves, and long pants and sleeves.
• group leaders should bring a first aid kit, and a cell phone for emergencies
• only use supplies or hand tools provided by city staff, you may not use any tools brought with you
• be prepared for moderate physical activity

Park safety:

• view our interactive online map to understand the park boundary to avoid trespassing onto private property
• be aware of potential hazards like, uneven ground, branches or trees, wild animals, stinging insects or plants and unstable or slippery ground near waterways
• suspend activities when weather conditions are unsafe 

Litter cleanup safety:

• only pick up litter, no leaves, cones, plants and tree limbs on the ground
• do not pick up any of the following, instead, use the online reporting form to report dangerous or large items such as:
  • anything sharp that could cause a cut, puncture or abrasion
  • needles or syringes – if found in a city park, immediately contact 519-886-1550 (during business hours) or sharpscleanup@waterloo.ca with details
  • hazardous waste items that are corrosive, flammable, explosive or poisonous such as batteries, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), paints and solvents, lawn and garden chemicals, and propane tanks
  • large objects that are heavy, bulky, difficult to grasp or unstable including large items found within a creek or stormwater management pond
  • active or abandoned campsites, shelters, forts or gathering places with excessive litter and/or personal belongings

How to report dangerous dumping:

• for registered community cleanups, instructions will be provided with your supply kit on how to report your litter clean up results
• to report dumping or other litter issues, use our Report an Issue form

Gather your family and friends to dig in and plant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers.

Event details:

• 2 hours
• neighbourhood-focused and designed for individuals, families and small groups
• suitable for all ages – we use small and manageable plant materials and hand tools
• requires moderate physical exertion, including bending, lifting up to 10 lbs, and walking on uneven terrain in natural areas
• a parent or adult guardian must supervise children under 18 in their care
• the city gives an orientation, leads and monitors the activity, and provides equipment and a snack

What to bring:

• closed-toe footwear and appropriate clothing for natural areas
• your own water