Butterflyway Project celebrates a decade of grassroots impact – and a new cohort of Rangers

TORONTO, February 11, 2026 — In the midst of a growing biodiversity crisis, people throughout Canada are stepping up. The David Suzuki Foundation has just opened a new round of applications for its sought-after Butterflyway Project, recruiting volunteers to lead exciting neighbourhood efforts that turn everyday spaces into habitat for wild bees and butterflies.

“What makes the Butterflyway Project powerful is that it’s both deeply local and truly national,” said project lead Jode Roberts. “People are restoring habitat in their own streets and yards, while becoming part of something much bigger.”

Now celebrating its 10th year, the Butterflyway Project has mobilized Rangers in hundreds of communities –— from Comox, B.C., to Lunenburg, N.S. — to establish habitat gardens across parks, yards and schoolyards. Over the past decade, Rangers have planted 140,000 native wildflowers, grasses, trees and shrubs in more than 7,600 gardens, making their neighbourhoods healthier and wilder.

Until February 25, residents can apply to join the next cohort of official Butterflyway Rangers — getting free online training and toolkits, an official Ranger T-shirt, Butterflyway garden signs and support from David Suzuki Foundation staff and an active community of more than 1,850 Rangers throughout the country.

“I love this project…love that this is happening grassroots across the county,” said Ranger Micole from Stouffville, Ontario. “The timing is perfect and people are aware of the importance of what we are doing and want to do their part. So great that our messaging is that everyone can do something and individual efforts combined is changing things. People don’t feel helpless but empowered to help change things.”

For more information on the Butterflyway Project, visit www.davidsuzuki.org/butterflyway.

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For more information, please contact:
Stefanie Carmichael, David Suzuki Foundation: scarmichael@davidsuzuki.org, 437-221-4692

About: The David Suzuki Foundation (davidsuzuki.org) is a leading Canadian environmental non-profit organization. The Foundation has offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. The Butterflyway Project is an award-winning national campaign to create pollinator habitat in communities throughout Canada.

BACKGROUNDER

The David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway Project

About the Butterflyway Project:

  • In 2017, the David Suzuki Foundation launched the Butterflyway Project in Toronto, Markham, Richmond, Victoria and Montreal to support native plant and pollinator awareness and action at the community level.
  • In 2020, as the pandemic led to mass shutdowns, DSF staff switched from in-person to online training and support, allowing greater participation across Canada.
  • Since the project began, over 2,000 volunteers have completed Ranger training on ecology, habitat gardening, community engagement and government advocacy.
  • From 2017 to 2025, Rangers have established more than 7,600 habitat gardens containing 140,000 native wildflowers, grasses, trees and shrubs.
  • The project and individual Rangers have received local, national and international attention and accolades, including awards from the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Governor General of Canada.
  • The Butterflyway Project is supported by national partner Cascades, as well as generous donors throughout the country.