The wildflower garden: ecological restoration in urban environments
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Climate change, unrestricted urban sprawl, and industrial agriculture have led to catastrophic degradation of native habitats and unprecedented biodiversity loss, especially within cities. To help address this, this practicum highlights the use of native wildflower and grass species in urban environments as alternatives to traditional turf grass landscaping. Through small-scale wildflower garden design and implementation, and community engagement, approximately 120 square feet of lawn was converted to host 14 native plant species with 168 individual plants. A community-based presentation was delivered to inspire like-minded individuals into restoring parts of their own spaces with native species in hopes of creating a mosaic or habitat matrix within a local urban environment. After speaking with city planning officials and community organizations, the general consensus is that people are in favour of habitat restoration but the problem of long-term maintenance and funding remains prevalent. By working with enthusiastic homeowners, these challenges can be addressed and sustainable care and stewardship may be achieved.