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Building Resilience Through Community Partnerships
How Oakville Charitable Organizations Work Hand-in-hand to Increase Biodiversity and Promote Environmental Stewardship
Oakvillegreen Conservation Association and Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre (JCHAC) have joined efforts as a call to action for driving sustainable conservation solutions for greener and healthier communities. The two organizations have collaborated since 2017 and have had a common mission to restore and preserve nature locally, and to inspire others to be part of a committed and caring community!
Oakvillegreen and JCHAC partnered on a number of initiatives as part of Green Connections for Adults 55+ in the past 2 years. They organized tree planting events and nature art workshops together, providing interesting and engaging opportunities for senior members of the community.
In 2023, Oakvillegreen delivered its Ready for Rain DIY rain garden program, with workshops being held at the gallery and a demonstration garden built on the beautiful grounds of JCHAC. The garden reduces runoff, filters out pollutants in runoff and provides food and shelter for butterflies, bees, birds and other wildlife.
Conservation Day was held in June 2023, with other environmental groups and vendors and offered attendees a number of interactive sessions, outdoor nature walks and kids hands-on activities. It engaged the community in eco-learning and action. This multi-organization initiative was designed to promote conservation and preservation of our greenspaces in the Halton Region.
Oakvillegreen and JCHAC were also thrilled to work on another very exciting project last year – the creation of the first mini forest in Oakville. A mini forest — also known as a micro forest or tiny forest — is a community of native trees and shrubs planted tightly together in an urban or suburban site based on the Miyawaki method. The method emphasizes the use of dense plantings, diverse locally-native species collections, soil preparation, and multilayered design to mimic the complexity of a native forest.
These events and initiatives welcomed community volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. The projects brought the community together with many eager to learn and contribute towards restoring local forests and reviving biodiversity.
“When it comes to preserving nature around us, every single little bit counts," says Oakvillegreen’s Programs Manager Anelia Tichkova. “When the community works together, we have the power and knowledge to make a positive difference, and to cultivate compassion for the environment that ultimately leads to conservation. This partnership is proof of that!”
“The joint efforts of Oakvillegreen and Joshua Creek Heritage Art Centre, have provided us an opportunity to spread the message about the conservation of nature” adds Matthew Lawson, JCHAC’s Executive Director. “This collaboration to protect and sustainably manage our resources in the Halton Region is at the core of our partnership. With the support, dedication, and generosity of Oakvillgreen, Joshua Creek has, and continues to protect the greenspaces needed for this and future generations.”
Contact Oakvillegreen at programs@oakvillegreen.org to find out how to get involved this coming spring!