Wildflowers play an important role in our ecosystems. Not only they beautify our surroundings, but these plants have also a big impact in soil health to pollination, and to us as humans. Pollinators: like bees, insects, and birds, depend on many species of wildflowers for food. In turn, these pollinators help provide our food. In fact, around 75 percent of the world’s crop producing fruits and seeds for our consumption depend on pollinators for sustained production, yield, and quality. However, the rapid decline of native wildflower species has been becoming a major threat to the population of pollinators. The causes of decline include habitat loss, disease, pesticides, climate change, and invasive plant growth. The declining wildflower diversity can lead to loss of pollinators and can cause ripple effects across entire ecosystems, and ultimately affect the very fabric of our food production.
It is not too late to act and help protect our native wildflower species. We can do so by making a difference from our very own backyard. A simple garden plot can be turned into a thriving wildflower ecosystem for pollinators – an oasis for bees, butterflies, insects, and birds. Another thing is volunteering in organizations that help preserve and restore native wildflower species. In Toronto, the Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve is one of the organizations that looks for volunteers to help in their various restoration activities. It is a 9-hectare natural area in Don Valley that consists of a remnant portion of Don River and is bordered by steep slopes of Don Valley.
The Todmorden Wildflower Preserve is a charitable organization run by volunteers. They conduct plantings, weed control, garbage cleanups, and trail improvements. They provide guided walks throughout the year, and visitors are encouraged to contribute to their wildlife sightings as their monitoring scheme. The preserve is a host for 11 rare species which include two trees – Red Cedar and Slippery Elm, and other herbaceous plants. Please visit their website at www.hopscotch.ca to learn more.
