Get your hands dirty, meet amazing people and save pollinators — one wildflower at a time!

TORONTO | Traditional territories of several First Nations including the Williams Treaties First Nations, Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation — The David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway Project is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join a growing squad of pollinator heroes: the Butterflyway Rangers!

This award-winning program invites nature lovers, gardeners and anyone with a big heart for small creatures to roll up their sleeves and create wildflower wonderlands in neighbourhoods throughout Canada. From seasoned green thumbs to gardening newbies, Rangers will get the tools, training and support to turn their community into a pollinator paradise.

What’s a Butterflyway Ranger?

Think of Butterflyway Rangers as pollinator ambassadors. They plant native wildflowers, rally their neighbours and make sure wild bees, butterflies and other pollinators have the habitats they need to thrive. Rangers get loads of support and inspiration from David Suzuki Foundation experts, including fun webinars, handy online guides and virtual or in-person meetups with fellow Rangers throughout the country.

Their mission? To create “Butterflyways” — clusters of at least 12 habitat gardens in close proximity, making it easy for pollinators like the hardworking, metallic green sweat bee or boldly striped swallowtail butterfly to zip between them without breaking a sweat (or a wing).

Along the way, Rangers host events like seed swaps, community plantings and even pollinator-themed parties that are as much fun as they are impactful.

Why should people care?

Butterflyway Rangers work together to create “Butterflyways” — clusters of at least 12 wildflower gardens close enough for pollinators to easily hop, skip and flutter between. Think of them as highways for bees and butterflies! Along the way, Rangers host fun events like seed swaps, community plantings and garden tours. It’s all about making a difference while having a blast.

A proven success story

Since the project’s launch, Butterflyway Rangers in hundreds of communities — from Vancouver Island to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia — have planted over 100,000 native wildflowers and created 139 official Butterflyways. These gardens don’t just look amazing; they also:

  • Provide food and shelter for pollinators like wild bees and butterflies.
  • Help manage stormwater and reduce the urban heat island effect.
  • Offer spaces for people to connect with nature (and their neighbours!).

How to join the Butterflyway Project

Applications to become a Butterflyway Ranger are open from February 5 to 19, 2025. Don’t wait — spots fill up faster than a bee on a sunflower! Visit davidsuzuki.org to learn more and sign up.

What Rangers are saying

“This project helped me reconnect with my neighbourhood in such a meaningful way!” Ranger Sean from Montreal, Que.

“There’s nothing like seeing a butterfly land on a plant you grew from seed. It’s magical.” Ranger Gail from Regina, Sask.

“The Butterflyway Project helped connect me with my neighbours and made me feel part of the community.” Ranger Jan from Scarborough, On.

A big buzz-worthy thanks to our partners

“Since 2017, Cascades has proudly supported the Butterflyway Project, planting over 20 pollinator gardens at our sites and even two on our customers’ sites,” said Hugo D’Amours, Cascades Vice-President, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability. “This initiative has not only inspired our employees to champion biodiversity but also sparked lasting internal projects, like seed libraries and participation in No Mow May. We’re thrilled to see the impact of the Butterflyway Project growing year after year.”

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

To arrange media interviews, please contact:

Kate Kourtsidis, 613-806-8184, kkourtsidis@davidsuzuki.org